Superb team performance praised by coach
Prestfelde's Under 11s have been crowned English Schools national cricket champions – under the watchful eye of England legend Andrew Flintoff.
The school was one of eight from across the country which qualified for the Under 11s Hardball Finals Day at Oakham School and, after winning their group, they then triumphed in the final.
Flintoff was at the event as some of his children were playing for Manchester Grammar School, who finished in third place.
Prestfelde qualified for finals day after winning the Shropshire tournament at Moor Park School at Ludlow in April, and then beating the champions from Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the West Midlands Finals at Shrewsbury School.
On finals day at Oakham, they won their group after taking on Ratcliffe College from Leicester, Exeter Junior School and Ashfield College from Harrogate.
In the final they played Summerfield School from Oxford. Taking two early wickets helped keep their opponents in check, and consistent bowling throughout helped restrict them to 47 from their 12 overs.
Prestfelde had a great start from Oliver Parton and Sion Jarman to take control of the game. The other pairs then batted sensibly, taking singles and punishing the bad ball.
It was left to captain Jack Home to see the game out for a comfortable win and at the end of their 12 overs, Prestfelde had scored 80 to win by a very impressive 33 runs.
Coach Rob Newey said: “This was a superb team performance from the boys with every player contributing to this outstanding success.
“Several members of the English Schools Cricket Association commented positively with great praise for the performance and behaviour of the boys.
“Jack Home received special praise at the presentation ceremony for his outstanding bowling action.”
Pictured are, back from left: Hugo Emms, Angus Hartnell Beavis, Oliver Parton, Sion Jarman, Oliver Dunn, Rob Newey. Front: Harrison Vaughan, Tom Daly, William Jenkins, Jack Home (Captain).