Cricket Champions: U13s Win National Cup

by Ridhaan Gala

It was early in the morning, during the summer break, when the Hampton team gathered, knowing that in just a few hours they would be playing the biggest game of their lives. After preparing everything, they made their way to Hampton, ready for the two-hour coach journey to Oakham School, where the final was being held.

On arrival, the team had a sharp warm-up, and soon everyone was set for the match. Hampton won the toss and chose to bat. In their 30 overs, they posted a solid total of 170, with Ruaan and Rey both scoring fine half-centuries. After a delicious match tea, the players took to the field, determined to bowl Worksop College out and claim victory.

They went on the attack with their battery of fast bowlers, before switching to spin. Magnus, Bertie, and Ruaan stepped up brilliantly, together claiming seven wickets. The game hung in the balance – it could have gone either way. Then, in the closing overs, Ridhaan was called on to bowl. With two wickets in quick succession, he sealed the win, dismissing Worksop College for 148. Those final moments were extraordinary, and something we would love to relive again.

Fast forward to this week: we had the honour of meeting the Headmaster, sharing our experiences and reliving those unforgettable passages of play. Looking back, Hampton can feel immensely proud to have been the first team from the school to win a national cricket cup. Now, with our sights set even higher, we cannot wait to win more!