Prep School
U11/10 B Mixed gender vs West Buckland by Mrs Gardner
Despite the gloomy forecast, the morning turned out to be bright and clear for the U11/10 mixed Incrediball game against West Buckland. We opened our innings with Badis and Jio, who both started with clear intent. Badis provided an early highlight by smashing a massive six in the first over, though he unfortunately lost his wicket on the very next delivery—a tricky but important lesson in the highs and lows of the game. While West Buckland produced some strong bowling, they also struggled with consistency, which allowed us to keep the scoreboard ticking over through extras. Emily was a standout in the middle of the innings, finding her rhythm and hitting two impressive fours. In total, we accumulated 29 runs off the bat, supplemented by 25 runs from wides and no-balls.
Our performance in the field was remarkably clean and consistent, starting with an excellent over from Jio that yielded a wicket and only one run. Badis maintained the pressure by bowling a disciplined maiden over. Although West Buckland’s batters began to build their total gradually over the next two overs, Lydia stepped up to turn the tide by taking two wickets in consecutive balls. This momentum was sustained by tight fielding and two more fantastic wickets from Elsie, ensuring we walked away from the first innings with a 25-run lead.
In the second innings, our bowling remained tight and disciplined. We managed to claim another three wickets, showing great composure under pressure to finish the match with a total of 99 runs. It was a fantastic team effort characterized by sharp fielding and opportunistic batting. To cap off a great morning of cricket, the Coach’s Player of the Match was awarded to Lydia for her game-changing back-to-back wickets.
U11A Boys vs Mount Kelly by Mr Venning
The team produced another highly encouraging performance, showing great discipline and determination throughout the match. The bowling attack was particularly impressive, with consistently strong line and length placing the opposition under pressure from the outset. The highlight of the innings came from Albie, whose sensational hat-trick delivery left teammates and spectators in awe and provided a memorable moment for the side. Alongside the excellent bowling display, the team demonstrated fantastic togetherness and support for one another in the field, contributing to an all-round positive performance. The players are now continuing to work hard on developing their batting, with a particular focus on improving shot selection and building confidence at the crease.
U10B Girls vs King’s College by Mrs Czeres
Yesterday, the U10B team took to the field for a well-matched fixture against King’s College. The girls began the afternoon at the crease, putting on an impressive display of batting. There were standout performances from Frankie, Emily, Meyline, and Ariana, all of whom found the boundary with some excellently struck 4s. Over the course of 15 overs, the team accumulated a solid total of 296 runs. While the scoring was high, the session highlighted a key area for development: the need for “smart runs.” Moving forward, we will work on the girls’ awareness of fielder proximity to ensure they make safe decisions when calling for a run and avoid unnecessary wickets.
When the roles were reversed, and it was time to field, the team spirit was wonderful to witness. The girls were incredibly supportive of one another, maintaining high morale throughout the innings. Meyline, Amandine, and Emily were particularly sharp in the field, showing great agility to prevent several certain boundaries. While the effort was faultless, the match did show that we need to refine our bowling accuracy to reduce the tally of wides and no-balls.
Despite the great effort, King’s College managed to finish on top, aided by taking three key wickets. However, the game served as an excellent learning opportunity. To further develop their appreciation of the sport, the girls will focus on their tactical understanding of play – specifically, how to support teammates during their batting partnerships. It has been a pleasure to see their skills evolve, and we look forward to continuing this progress throughout the cricket season. Well done, ladies!
U11A Girls Hardball vs King’s College – by Mr Bulmer
On Wednesday, Queens hosted Kings in a brilliant, closely contested match that kept everyone engaged right until the final over.
Queens won the toss and elected to bowl first, producing an outstanding display in the field. The team bowled with great discipline and efficiency, backed up superbly, and communicated strongly throughout the innings. Their hard work and teamwork restricted Kings to a total of 263.
In response, Queens came out with confidence and intent in their batting innings. The girls ran brilliantly between the wickets, communicated well, and kept the scoreboard moving with positive cricket throughout.
The match went right down to the wire, with the scores incredibly tight heading into the final over. Despite a tremendous effort from Queens, Kings narrowly edged the game, holding Queens to 253.
Every player should be extremely proud of their performance, effort, and commitment across the match. The girls showed fantastic teamwork, determination, and skill, highlighting the huge potential and capability within this talented group.
U11B Girls vs King’s College – by Mr Matthews
The U11B girls played a fantastic fixture against Kings this week, approaching the game with great spirit and teamwork throughout. Their bowling was consistent and disciplined, applying pressure and limiting scoring opportunities, while in the field they supported one another well. With the bat, the girls showed growing confidence, hitting a number of well-timed boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving. It was a really encouraging performance that reflected both their progress and positive attitude as a team.
Senior School
U12A Girls vs King’s College by Mr Smith
The Queen’s girls made the short trip across town to face their counterparts from King’s for a 10-over hard ball pairs match. Queen’s batted first and there was plenty of positive running between the wickets, especially from Poppy and Matilda, which kept the scoreboard ticking over. Only two wickets were lost and the Queen’s team posted a competitive total of 251 in their innings.
Whilst some wides were conceded, the Queen’s bowling was generally accurate when King’s batted, with wickets for Martha and Gracie, who was unlucky not to snare more victims in a very impressive spell. The main difference between the teams was that the King’s girls struck more boundaries and were therefore able to pass the Queen’s total in their 10 overs.
Nevertheless, this was a positive performance in many aspects, although work on ‘boundary hitting’ will be a focus at the next training session.
U12 Boys vs Mount Kelly by Mr Knight
Queen’s College Taunton Under 12s produced a strong all-round performance to secure a seven-run victory over Mount Kelly Cricket Club Under 13 B in Wednesday’s friendly fixture. After being put into bat, Queen’s posted 102-4 from 16 overs, with Shire retiring unbeaten on 25.
In reply, Queen’s bowlers made an excellent start, reducing Mount Kelly to 8-3 thanks to early wickets from Shire, Green and Williams. Disciplined spells from Shire (2-6) and Luca Slottje-Pick, who conceded just two runs in two overs, helped keep the visitors below the target as Queen’s closed out an encouraging win.
U13 Boys vs Mount Kelly – by Mr Bell
Queens College U13 produced an excellent all-round performance to secure a 29-run victory over Mount Kelly U13 in a challenging reduced-overs friendly on Wednesday afternoon. Against strong opposition and in testing conditions, Queens adapted superbly, showing the aggressive intent needed with the bat before backing it up with outstanding bowling and fielding.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Queens knew quick scoring would be important in the shortened 16-over game. Early wickets made life difficult, but there were important contributions throughout the innings. Henry led the way with a composed 21, anchoring the innings when wickets were falling around him, while Max on 17 to guide Queens to a competitive total of 87-6.
Extras also played a significant role as Queens kept pressure on the Mount Kelly bowlers throughout the innings. Despite difficult batting conditions, the team showed positive intent and smart running between the wickets to ensure they posted a defendable score.
Queens then delivered a superb display with the ball. The bowlers attacked from the very start and never allowed Mount Kelly to settle. Max set the tone with an excellent spell of 2 wickets for 9 runs, while Freddie produced a match-winning performance, taking 3 wickets. Harry also bowled with great control, claiming 1 wicket for just 10 runs, and every bowler contributed to maintaining pressure.
The fielding effort matched the quality of the bowling, with sharp catching and energy in the field helping Queens bowl Mount Kelly out for 58 in just 13.1 overs.
Captain Mitch led the team superbly throughout the game with calm decision-making and an excellent all-round contribution. Harry was deservedly named MVP for his crucial innings under pressure that helped lay the platform for victory.
Overall, it was an impressive team performance from Queens against strong opposition, combining aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and excellent teamwork to earn a well-deserved win.
U13 Girls County Cup – by Mrs Foster
The girls play a fast-paced 10 over 8-a-side format for their cup cricket, and were drawn to host Holyrood in this years edition. We were put into bat and made a solid start against some tidy pace. Poppy’s first scoring shot came off her first ball with a classic off drive. This straight bat intent served Poppy well to carry her bat the whole innings and be a part of a half-century opening stand with Juno. We finished on 74/2 and probably left a few runs out there in terms of running between the wickets aggression and finding more boundaries.
Holyrood started strong going at 10 an over and showing signs of a one-sided contest, but our captain brought herself on to bowl and took two key wickets so at 41/3 with 6 overs left there was more cricket to play. The format invited everyone to bowl and to the girls credit they worked hard to minimise extras and put pressure on the lower order to hit their runs. We had to defend 5 runs in the final over and with wickets in hand Holyrood held their nerve to win. It was an even battle and had its ups and downs. The girls will have taken lots of positives and the value of alert and committed fielding as well as aggressive running between the wickets from their showing in the Somerset County Cup. Fielding many Year 7s, we can look forward to next year’s edition too.
U14 Boys County Cup vs Kings U14B – by Mrs Foster
We won the toss and were keen to bowl. It was a quick outfield that promised good value for your shots. Tom captained the side rotating his bowlers well in a combined year 8 and 9 line up. Extras were costly, but an expense of wanting to run in and bowl fast which are great assets in our attack. The biggest threat with the ball was Owen’s lateral movement in the air and off the pitch that led to a brilliant four wicket haul. Dismissing a batter for 2 when he hit a hundred in his last innings gave us a great chance. We restricted them to 175/7 which was a fair reflection of their batting quality against a bowling and fielding performance we could be proud of in batting-friendly conditions.
Our reply was watchful as the top order valued their wicket and saw off the new ball. With a climbing required run rate our wickets began to fall under scoring pressure. Henry and Archie built the best partnership that forced Kings to tighten their lines and protect the boundaries. Archie opted to just clear the ropes and smashed 49 runs in a brilliant innings that maintained an outside hope of winning, but the half century nor the victory was to be on this day and we finished 140/7. The team spirit, energy and camaraderie was excellent to see from this cup XI, and the occasion was enjoyed by all.
U15 Girls vs Mount Kelly on Thu 30 April & vs Millfield on Thu 7 May – by Mrs Foster
Eliza won the toss and did not hesitate in putting Mount Kelly into bat with a view to assert Queen’s pressure with the ball. Our bowlers continued to impress in this competition and were backed up in the field. Previously we had only taken wickets through clean bowled, but on this occasion Teniore and Eva took three catches between them, Tori effected a run-out, and Millie, Eliza and Charlotte stuck to the clean bowled habit that together reduced Mount Kelly to 73/7 off their 100 balls.
Teniore continued her form at the top of the order with 23 runs, and it was Juno who steered us home once again with an unbeaten 21 proving how playing straight can be rewarded. The victory was more comfortable than the first round, but we knew our strongest test was to come in the next round.
The following Thursday was away to Millfield, and losing the toss we found ourselves batting on a hard and dry deck. The Millfield bowling attack was strong and varied from left arm pace, off-spin, right arm swing bowlers and an unusually high armed wrist spinner. Once again the full face and positive running was rewarded once we settled in. Scoring wasn’t easy, but each batter occupied the crease and stood up to the challenge. To Millfield’s credit they rushed through their 100 Balls and showed how over-rate can snatch momentum. Maisie had been waiting for her first bat and celebrated the opportunity with her first four. Juno struck some quality drives to good length balls and we looked the part pushing twos whenever we could. We proudly prevented Millfield from taking our ten wickets and finished 34/5. It wasn’t going to be enough to win the match, but it did go some in showing we could occupy the crease. Alissa started defending our score opening up with her left arm seamers. Teniore and Eliza also joined the attack and our quest to grab a wicket, but Millfield passed our score towards the end of their power play to take a convincing win into the next round. It’s been a really enjoyable cup run for this brilliant side, who continue to build on their cricket awareness, confidence and competitiveness. We certainly have all the ingredients for a great Broderick Tournament in a couple of weeks time.
First XI U18 T20 Plate vs Plymouth – by Mrs Foster
It’s hard to put in the bulletin what happened on Friday night. We are a team on a mission to enjoy our cricket, rise to every challenge, play hard and fair, and definitely celebrate our wins. They come as individual milestones, spectacular fielding moments, creating pressure with the ball or sheer dominance with the bat. It can’t always culminate in winning margins, but we are having a season of promise and proper cricket. That’s why it’s tempting to sweep this game under the carpet.
Feeling confident and with good reason, we chose to bat first. The lateral movement was significant, some to the credit of Plymouth swing bowlers, and certainly made more challenging by the up and down surface. It’s never a good sign when your top score is 14, but that was a sensible and unbeaten knock from the captain as we left 26 balls out there when dismissed for 67. Thankfully our resolve responded and we bowled with intent, and beat the bat a number of times, sometimes finding the edge that found the boundary too. It wasn’t our day, and we took out what we could. At times like these you need your next game, and after all, the only ball that matters is the next one.
U16A Cricket vs Millfield U15B – by Mrs Foster
Year 10 and 11 combined for a high energy T20 on Saturday. Our camaraderie was strong and our competitiveness was in full flow as we sensed our strength against even a Millfield B team. With this in mind we were keen to bat with retirement looming at 30 runs to see just how deep our batting could fire. Leo then lost the toss, much to the disappointment of his teammates, but actually the boys taking the field together proved brilliant for the game and the rain that came. We played for as long as we could until a fielder in spikes slipped over and then gave in. Millfield were 70/4 after 11 overs and we had already used 7 bowlers. Leo snaffled two with good flight, and Munesu and Euan’s spin also took a wicket each. By far the most celebrated wicket was the outstretched hand of the point fielder, jumping up and parrying the ball skywards before hanging on. It wasn’t long before Justin was mobbed by his team mates in a loud and excitable huddle to cheer his first catch on debut. Moments like these are so memorable and the togetherness was magical. It is such a shame the rain took away our chance to continue the game, but as abandoned matches go, it was pretty awesome.
Girls 1st XI vs Millfield/King’s Bruton Triangular – by Mr Smith
The 1st XI Girls were looking forward to their first fixture of the season, a 50 ball triangular with Millfield and King’s Bruton, but unfortunately the weather intervened. Play did begin between Queen’s and King’s Bruton with Queen’s batting first. Queen’s scored 50 off their 50 balls with Eliza hitting out powerfully for 32 runs and Evvie running well between the wickets, making sure ones were converted into twos. However, the rain, which had started during Queen’s innings, was now coming down hard meaning play had to be abandoned. This was a shame but let’s hope Eliza can take her form into the next round of the U15 Cup match v Millfield.