Back row (left to right): Richard Peace (Head of Year), Sean Little (Site Manager), Warren Riches (Chair of Governors), Mark Williams (Head of Mathematics). Front row: Nigel Malkin (Head of PE), Steph Boyd (Headmaster)

Our average age was significantly higher than our average run rate.

Rudyard Kipling once wrote, “If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew/ To serve your turn long after they are done” – and so it was on Wednesday 16 July when The Island Free School put out a cricket team whose average age was significantly higher than our average run rate.

The school had been invited to compete in a 6-a-side cricket tournament hosted by Ventnor Rugby Club in order to raise funds for the club’s junior section. On a beautiful summer’s evening, staff from our school, dressed in our brand new PE kit, played teams from local businesses and community groups on what can best be described as a ‘youthful’ wicket which had been specially prepared for the event.

A potent mixture of straight bowling and agricultural batting saw our school team chase down a modest total to win our first game. In our second match the school posted the evening’s highest batting total, which proved too much for the opposition who quickly fell behind the run rate and were eventually bowled out 30 runs short of their target.

The school team now progress to the tournament final on Saturday 19 July where we will face an opponent from Group 2.

Wish us luck…