Whilst the cricket season may seem a life-time away, cricket was very much at the forefront of discussion on Friday 20th January 2012, which saw the eagerly anticipated opening of the new indoor cricket nets. The four indoor nets are of the highest quality, and provide first-class facilities for all concerned, courtesy of an extremely generous donation from an anonymous parent.
It promised to be a very lively event, with England cricketers Matthew Hoggard and Chris Read cutting the ribbons to signify the official opening of the nets. As the current captains of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire CC respectively, their active participation in the event was hugely appreciated, batting and bowling against each other as well as the students with passion, enthusiasm and healthy rivalry!
Both students and parents alike came out in force to witness the event. We were delighted to have the preeminent cricket manufacturing company Gunn and Moore with us, and in particular their Managing Director, Mr Peter Wright, thus giving everyone the chance to try on and buy the latest top of the range equipment the manufacturer has to offer.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, students were allowed to use the nets. This ranged from young cricketers from the Junior School to current players in the 1st XI having a bowl at Matthew Hoggard, himself a parent at Ratcliffe, who showed us his batting skills albeit without the presence of pads! He also took time to talk to the senior cricketers on an individual basis, getting to know them and their views of cricket both at Ratcliffe and beyond it.
Headmaster, Mr Gareth Lloyd, commented that “there is no doubt that the addition of the new indoor nets, complemented by a complete refurbishment of the outdoor nets, will significantly enhance the development of cricket at Ratcliffe, especially with the launch of the Ratcliffe College Cricket Academy with Matthew Hoggard and guest coaches.” With many promising cricketers throughout the age groups, combined with the addition of the new nets, it is clear to see that cricket at Ratcliffe is going from strength to strength.