Cricket

Staff member in charge: Mr Alan Wells

The School has built a reputation for first class coaching across all age groups and the opportunity for all to be actively involved in the game. The 1st X1 is currently coached by Alan Wells (Sussex, Kent and England, Level 3 coach) and the other teams are coached by qualified members of staff. Outside qualified coaches are also utilised.

Facilities: There are two ovals with grass pitches and a third artificial pitch. The main square is the best school pitch in the County and Sussex CCC are very interested in using it for County youth games.
There are six outdoor artificial nets and six indoor nets available. These indoor nets are of County standard and reflect the commitment the School has to the game. Sussex Cricket Board will be running coaching courses in these nets.

Number of teams: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U15 (3 teams), U14 (3 teams), Girls XI & Girls U15.

Cricketing Academy: Cricketers who play at county standard or have the ability to reach that standard are able to join the senior school cricket academy which is run by former Sussex, Kent and England Cricketer Alan Wells.
Tim Van Noort has now joined the coaching staff at St Bede’s. Tim is a level 3 coach and is also in charge of Sussex CCC U10’s to U15’s. Tim also works alongside Alan in the cricket academy.
Covering all ages from 13 to 18, the academy is open to existing St Bede’s students who develop to the required level and to new students.
The students have individual coaching programmes, built around their academic timetables and these programmes run in conjunction with their county coaching. The ethos behind the academy is to maximise the potential of those students for whom cricket is an integral part of their lives, at school and beyond. It gives those with ability who look towards becoming a professional cricketer an extra edge and to this end Alan works closely with the county coaches. Selection for the academy follows trials with Alan.

Fixtures: St Bede’s plays all the top public schools in this area and a number from other areas: Eastbourne College, Brighton College, Ardingly, Hurspierpoint, Eton and Millfield to name a few. In 2010 St Bede’s gained new fixtures Against Whitgift and Charterhouse. The School enters various County and National competitions with much success.
Dress: Cricket whites, school cricket shirts.

Notable achievements: Former student Ollie Rayner is a professional cricketer with Sussex and scored his Maiden 1st class debut against Sri Lanka in 2006. Luke Wells is an England U19 cricketer (2009) who has represented the national team for the past two years, a top scorer in a tour of Malaysia. He has recently signed a 3 year professional contract with Sussex CCC. Calum Jackson, a current pupil is also part of the England U16 squad. The School has twelve County players at various age groups.

• U14 Sussex Cup Champions 2008
• U15 Sussex County Champions 2008, 2009
• U15 Sussex 20/20 Champions 2008 & 2010
• U15 Blackshaw Cup Winners 2008 & 2010
• U15 Regional 20/20 Champions 2010
• 1st XI Langdale Cup Winners 2009 & 2010.
• 1st XI Regional 20/20 Champions 2010