Bishop Luffa vs MCC Cricket Match

On 22nd May Bishop Luffa School hosted the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for their annual fixture at Chichester Priory Park. The MCC, better known as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), is one of the most famous and historic cricket clubs in the world. The club founded in 1787 are based at Lord's Cricket Ground in London and is renowned as the original custodian of the Laws of Cricket. They continue to promote the game's traditions and spirit worldwide and use fixtures against schools to celebrate youth development and exemplifying the true essence of cricket. The MCC is not just a cricket club but a symbol of the game's heritage, values, and commitment to developing future generations of cricketers.

The match was played in excellent spirit, with both teams showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for the game. Bishop Luffa's young squad demonstrated resilience and enthusiasm throughout the day. After the MCC posted a challenging total of 265, Bishop Luffa were set a tough task and struggled to get going but after a 50 partnership from Jack Challen (8Ridgeway) and Elliot Goode (9Story) the team was putting up a fight. However, despite their efforts, the team fell short of the target but showed great determination to keep going until the end.  Others on the team were George Phillips (10Andrewes), Joshua Pollock (10Story), Oliver Bowman (11Ridgeway), Eli Yambo (11Ridgeway) and Finlay Rustell (12Ridgeway).

In recognition of his exemplary performance and embodiment of the game's values, Jack Challen was awarded the 'Spirit of Cricket' cap by the MCC. His ability with the ball and bat was a highlight of the day, paired with the fact that he was the youngest on pitch whilst displaying great skill throughout the match. The day included a shared lunch provided by Turners Pies, which allowed players from both teams to exchange experiences and insights, further strengthening the camaraderie fostered by the match. Special thanks were extended to Fenwick’s Café for providing refreshments and to the volunteer umpires for their invaluable contribution.

This fixture continues to be a cherished tradition, promoting the values of cricket and providing a platform for young players to engage with the game's rich heritage.

Toby Buck, Teacher of PE