Cricket at St Lawrence College
Cricket is a cornerstone of sport at St Lawrence College, offering pupils of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills, compete at high levels, and foster a lifelong love for the game. Our inclusive programme caters to both beginners and seasoned players, ensuring everyone finds their place on the field.
National Recognition
St Lawrence College has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading cricketing schools, featuring in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide Top 100 for five consecutive years. This accolade reflects our exceptional facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and the integral role cricket plays in our school community.
Comprehensive Coaching and Development
From the Junior to Senior School, pupils receive tailored coaching that evolves with their age and experience. Emphasis is placed on mastering the fundamentals—batting, bowling, and fielding—while also developing game intelligence, agility, balance, coordination, and speed. As students progress, coaching becomes more advanced, incorporating strategic play and competitive match experience.
Outstanding Facilities
Our cricket facilities are among the best in the region, featuring:
- Multiple grass pitches and artificial wickets
- Indoor nets within the Sports Hall
- Bowling machines and video analysis tools
- Fully-equipped fitness suite for strength and conditioning
These resources enable year-round training, ensuring pupils can hone their skills regardless of the season.
Cricket Academy and Specialist Coaching
Established in 2012 by Director of Sport, Mr Seth Simmons, the St Lawrence College Cricket Academy has been instrumental in nurturing young talent. The academy offers:
- Personalised training programmes
- One-on-one coaching sessions
- Access to advanced coaching aids
- Opportunities to set and achieve individual performance goals
Head of Cricket, Mr Geraint Jones—former England international and 2005 Ashes winner—brings a wealth of experience to the programme. As an ECB Level 3 coach, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring our aspiring cricketers.
Competitive Fixtures and Tournaments
St Lawrence College fields a robust lineup of teams across various age groups, including:
- Ten boys’ teams
- Seven girls’ teams
Our teams regularly compete against esteemed schools such as Tonbridge School, King’s School Canterbury, and Sevenoaks School. Highlights of our competitive calendar include:
- National Schools Twenty20 Competition
- Annual MCC match
- Band of Brothers fixture
Our girls’ teams have achieved notable success, with the U15 squad reaching the Quarter Finals of the National T20 Cup in 2018, 2021, and 2024, and finishing fourth nationally in 2023.
Annual Cricket Week
Cricket Week, held in the final week of the summer term, is a celebrated tradition at St Lawrence College. The event features:
- Boys’ 1st XI playing three declaration matches, a one-day coloured kit match, and a T20 finale
- Girls’ 1st XI participating in three coloured kit T20 matches
- Awards and recognitions celebrating players’ achievements
- A range of other various teams also play during the week
This week serves as a culmination of the season’s efforts and a showcase of our cricketing talent.
Pathways to Excellence
Our commitment to cricket excellence is reflected in our pupils’ achievements:
- Seven pupils represented Kent CCC Youth in the 2024 season
- Twelve pupils played for the Eastern Vikings in 2024
- Three pupils accepted into the Kent CCC Academy over the past four years
- Current student Sophie Callow represented Hong Kong U19s in February 2024
These accomplishments underscore our programme’s ability to develop players capable of competing at county and international levels.
For more information about our cricket programme or to get involved, please contact our Head of Cricket – Mr Geraint Jones at goj@slcuk.com
