Andrew shows raw talent in Nottingham for MCCF Hub

State school pupils put up a spirited performance in MCC Foundation Regional Hub fixture versus MCC at Repton School, writes Jim Hindson

Having produced 154 first-class players, 11 Test cricketers and three England captains, Repton School was both an inspired and inspiring venue for this MCC v MCC Foundation Regional Hub fixture. 

The Regional XI featured players from 12 hubs for state school cricketers in the Midlands and the East of England – part of the scheme delivered by MCC that engages 3,000 state-educated young players from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds across 64 hubs in the UK. 

The match was a hybrid two-innings affair of 20 overs each innings, providing multiple opportunities to bat and bowl for the young players on show. 

Patrick Gada, the MCCF Nottingham Hub Manager was in charge of the fixture. He said: “I work closely with Mark Baker at the Nottingham High School and we write to all of the local clubs and schools within the Nottingham city boundary at the end of the season, inviting boys and girls along for trials in December at the High School. Once we select the squads we train in the winter and then play other MCCF Hubs in the summer.” 

Gada manages the U15 squad along with an U13 Boys team and an U13 Girls XI. He admits that the Girls XI provides the biggest challenge in recruiting players but says the recent development in professionalising the women’s game shows there is a career path for talented girls. The hub system provides a stepping stone into cricket, removing any cultural and financial barriers and enabling state school cricketers to reach their full potential. 

^{Patrick Gada and Cameron Andrew}

Gada said: “What we are able to do is broaden the talent pathways for these cricketers. We have Xavier Gough and Harpreet Kali who originally came through the hub system and have now graduated to their county, representing Staffordshire. This wouldn’t have happened without the Hub bridging this pathway gap.” 

The talent on display was in its rawest form but enthusiasm was in abundance, coupled with a willingness to learn and improve. This was vividly illustrated by opening batsman Cameron Andrew from Calverton CC in Nottingham. 

The left-hander made 17 in the first innings, finding the boundary regularly but hanging on the legside of the ball to give himself room in the process. The Hub struggled to 79 for 9 in response to MCC’s 100 for 2, who had earlier won the toss and elected to bat first. 

A strong showing in MCC’s second innings saw the club amass 117 for 3, leaving a notional 139 to win for the Hub. Andrew opened once again but this time benefited from a tighter technique, concentrating on lining up the ball and protecting his off stump. 

The result was a slower start to his innings but a more rounded wagon wheel, scoring on both the off and legsides. The MCC’s attacking fields provided ample scoring opportunities and Andrew was quickly into his stride. It was an innings of real quality that brought his team back into the game, as he made 78 in 43 deliveries with 15 boundaries that included two sixes. 

Remarkably, the Hub’s tally when Andrew departed was only 10 more than his own score at 88 for 4, but the innings now had serious momentum forcing the club to post scouts out in the deep to protect the boundaries. 

A last-over finish saw the Hub XI fall short of the total by four runs despite Andrew’s heroics. 

Repton certainly inspired Andrew who reflected on a day to remember. “It’s awesome batting on pitches like this which give a bit more pace than we normally get and suit my style and in the second innings, I was really conscious of taking my chance. This sort of fixture is brilliant, playing against experienced players at good grounds which can only improve our game.” 

With the school season over, Andrew’s ambition “to stay in the first team at Calverton CC and break into the junior Notts set-up” appeared one step closer. 

Club cricket remains vital to developing young state school cricketers, with the MCC Hub Foundation performing a commendable supporting role, narrowing the gap with the county age-group sides.

The Cricketer would like to thank Durant Cricket for their ongoing support of our schools cricket coverage. For more on Durant Cricket, including booking a site visit, please click here