Thursday 3 May saw the first real day of sunshine this term and was great timing to head off to the sunny Isle of Wight on the senior cricket tour! A 14 pupil squad first visited Aldro school en route to the coast to play their first game. This proved to be the toughest of the tour and a very hospitable Aldro team off the wicket, were also a talented team on the wicket! The Danes Hill squad made 69 and fielded valiantly but Aldro were simply too polished on their batting and gained a 15th over win. Although the boys were disappointed, playing against such tough opposition in the first game, proved to be valuable test. After crossing the Solent and enjoying a steak dinner the squad awoke to another scorching day. Staying at the UK sailing centre proved to be great choice with the entire squad enjoying a three hour Kiel boat session at sea before returning for lunch. In the afternoon the squad traveled to Ryde School for their 2nd match of the tour and the team were set on avenging yesterdays defeat. A cracking wicket with sea view saw the most exciting match of the tour. The team fielded brilliantly with the 1st team captain Seb Stewart-Reckling taking a 5 wicket haul! The Danes Hill team needed 2 runs in the last over which they achieved with just 3 balls to play, winning a thrilling match. Special mention must go to Thomas Goodchild for staying in throughout and scoring a more than valuable 37 runs.
The third and final full day of the tour saw the team play an island select team and there were a number of determined faces in the team who had played and lost for Ryde School the previous day! The match was another game that was too close to call! The island team had just enough to score the runs needed with just one over to spare. Also, a tough loss to take, it was amazing to see just how far the team had come in just 3 days and has set the standard for the season ahead. The tour finished in cracking style with ice-creams on the beach and an afternoon of paddle boarding! Well done to all boys involved and a big thanks to all the supporting parents!