8 July 2024

The Bishops' 1st XI cricket team embarked on a much-anticipated tour to Sri Lanka during the mid-year school holidays. The tour provided the players with invaluable experience and an opportunity to compete against strong opponents. Bishops won 6 out of 7 matches: an impressive achievement highlighting the team's talent and resilience. Summary of results: Match # 1: Bishops vs Royal College The first fixture of the tour was against Royal College. Unfortunately Bishops did not get off to a good start and lost: a match that was to mark the team's only loss on tour. Matches # 2 & 3: Bishops vs. Anuradhapura U21 District Team Bishops played 2 x T20s against the Anuradhapura U21 District team. Both games saw Bishops familiarizing themselves with the conditions and - ultimately - winning both fixtures comfortably. Match # 4: Bishops vs. Best Way Cricket Academy Best Way Cricket Academy posted a challenging total of 268 in its allotted 50 overs. Bishops successfully chased the target with 7 balls to spare, winning by 2 wickets. Match # 5: Bishops vs. Mahinda College (Galle) The opposition batted first, scoring 166 for 9. Due to rain delays, the game was shortened to 44 overs. Bishops chased the target successfully, scoring 168 in the 31st over to win by 5 wickets. Match # 6: Bishops vs. Foundation of Goodness The Foundation of Goodness, having won the toss and opting to bat, registered 134 in in its allotted 20 overs. Bishops chased down the score in the 17th over, to win by 5 wickets. Match # 7: Bishops vs. Royal College (Colombo) The last game on tour was against Royal College from Colombo: one of the top-rated, cricket-playing schools in the country. Royal College was dismissed, well within 50 overs, for 138. Bishops reached its target comfortably to win by 8 wickets. Standout Performances included: • Adnaan Lagadien: 101 off 75 balls v Best Way Cricket Academy and 79* v Royal College. • Peyton Leigh: 20 wickets in 7 games at a phenomenal average of a shade over 10. • Waco Bassick: 4 wickets v Best Way Cricket Academy and scoring 52 off 40 deliveries against Anuradhapura. • Calum Daniels: 52* off 32 deliveries against the Foundation of Goodness. • Thaafier Japtha: 56 against Mahinda College. • Alex Vintcent: Delivering a match-winning knock of 43* off 25 deliveries against Best Way Cricket Academy. The tour was a memorable and enriching experience for all involved. Visiting temples and museums really gave the boys full(er) perspective of Sri Lankan culture and history. The team’s perseverance and determination throughout the tour were commendable, and these experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the players' growth and success come the resumption of the domestic season in September and in the years ahead.