1st XI Cricketers Receive Prestigious Award

The Christ’s Hospital 1^st XI cricketers received tremendous news earlier this term when representatives of the XI were invited to Lord’s to receive a most prestigious award – The Forty Club Trophy. When schools or youth XIs play the Forty Club, the Forty Club captain and umpire submit a report on the match to the club’s district chairperson. The criteria for the award are the spirit of cricket, performances and teamwork, and in particular, the team’s level of sportsmanship and etiquette. Following last summer’s match against the Forty Club, the CH 1^st XI was nominated for, and voted winner of, the Surrey and West Sussex district award. Head of cricket, Dave Messenger commented, ‘This is a tremendous honour for CH cricket and Christ’s Hospital itself.’ Mr Messenger, who is also Director of Sport, added, ‘At CH a key element of our Activity for Life programme is to use sport as a medium to produce better citizens, not simply better sports players. Cricket can be an intense game with many one-on-one battles. It is testimony to the team that within a tense match, players can be respectful of their opponents and acknowledge and appreciate fine performances from the opposition.’

Mr Messenger attended the awards ceremony at Lord’s with 1^st XI cricketer Luke. The evening began with a reception where Luke was able to meet and talk to the Forty Club President, former Sussex Country Cricket Club captain, John Barclay. Luke said, ‘It was a very special evening; I was honoured to collect the award on behalf of Christ’s Hospital.’ The dinner itself took place in the Lord’s Long Room, followed by the awards ceremony and speeches. Luke added ‘To be invited to an awards ceremony in the Long Room at the “home of cricket” was a tremendous experience and one I shall cherish.’

Luke receiving the Surrey and West Sussex Forty Club Trophy from the Forty Club President John Barclay DL, accompanied by CH Head of Cricket, Dave Messenger