Forest School drawing crowds of hundreds for cricket

National cup run sparks imagination of supporters

Forest School know how to host a cricket match.

When their under-17 boys reached the quarter-finals of the national cup, they drew a crowd that would be the envy of many clubs. 

Head of cricket Tomos Fowler estimates 600 pupils and staff came out to watch the victory over Bede’s of Sussex. 

Forest's run ended at the semi-final stage this year, but the boys' success nationally was surpassed by three girls' sides: the under-17s were national runners-up, the under-19s finished third, and the under-18s fourth.

"It was an excellent summer, we are going from strength to strength" said Fowler. "The year before, our under-15s were ESCA national champions, so we are pleased with the way cricket is going. For a day school to be competing and thriving on the national circuit is something I am incredibly proud of."

^{Forest School have enjoyed national success}

Forest School have three students in the Essex Academy: top-order batter and leg-spinner Areeb Rashid; allrounder Ayaan Malik; and off-spinner Jeevan Sing Kathuria. Amu Surenkumar represents Middlesex women's 1st XI as well as the Sunrisers Academy and signed a professional contract this year, while Prisha Bedi represents Essex women’s 1st XI and is on the Sunrisers EPP.

There are more than 70 girls in the school cricket teams, well led by coaching leads Fiona Rae and Louise Poulter, and the future of girls' cricket at Forest looks bright.

Fowler is pleased with the winter programme that is giving the school’s players more than 25 hours of cricket per week, all year around. 

Alongside this he is delighted with the school’s elite player pathway.

^{Girls' sides have surpassed the achievements of their male counterparts}

"It aims to provide our high-performing sports scholars with a comprehensive platform for their physical development," he said. "Through this programme, our athletes receive elite-level coaching and participate in lifestyle workshops, ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to excel in their chosen sport.

"Several members of our cricket team have been selected for the EPP and have benefited from weekly strength and speed sessions tailored to their individual needs. 

"Given the evolving physical demands of the game, there is a heightened focus on enhancing the physical qualities of each player. The EPP has proven instrumental in improving the overall physical attributes of our players, consequently enhancing their performance in all aspects of the game."

With a new £3million pavilion and upgrades on their nets on the way, cricket at Forest certainly seems to be blooming in the heart of Epping Forest.