UAE Cricket Tour

Writes Kian J (Divs) and Isar S (Divs)

During the Easter break, the U15 cricket teams embarked on an excellent pre-season tour consisting of excellent games against high quality opponents, alongside incredible cultural experiences. This tour served as preparation for the upcoming season, with all teams learning a lot from their games. 

The day we arrived, we were given the opportunity to train in a professional training ground where IPL and international teams trained! As it was the first day, this prompted a new challenge that most of the boys hadn’t yet played in: extreme heat on cracked and dry pitches. This training session was all about adjusting to the climate and making sure we understood how to play the game in a different setting. 

On the cricket field, all the teams were successful and learnt a lot from their games. The A team finished 3rd in the ADSIC Arch Cup, winning two games out of their four. The two games lost were tightly fought, with the As losing 5 wickets and 3 wickets respectively defending low totals. A lot of fight was shown with the ball in these games. Top performers included Aditya S, Abhi S and Raam S with the bat and Kian J and Roshan L ) with the ball. The As learnt a lot with these defeats, a great learning experience in preparation for a big season ahead with the National Cup around the corner. 

The B team finished 2nd in the ADSIC Arch Plate, winning two games, including an intense 1 wicket win against the winners (Epsom College) thanks to Shrey M and Dhruv B, drawing the final match and losing the first against Rugby. Aidan H and Rahas V consistently performed well with the bat, and Isar S stepped up in the final match to score 45 runs. With the ball, Dhruv B and Banit A were the clear heroes of the tour for the B team, getting a combined total of 17 wickets. The Bs have a very exciting season to look forward to and this tour has prepped them well for their cup competition this year. 

The C team played competitive friendly matches against local schools and clubs. They enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot about the different conditions. They won one game, but learnt a huge amount which has prepared them perfectly for the season ahead. Viraaj P and Noah K stepped up with the bat and Tariq A and Aaron A were the standouts with the ball. 

All teams across the days in Dubai enjoyed a rest day, when we visited Kite Beach. We just couldn’t get away from sports though, and set up a beach football match, even slip-catching in the sea, which sighted some Ben Stokes level fielding! On the final night in Dubai, we went to the Burj Khalifa fountain show and Dubai Mall. Despite some boys already visiting here, the reactions of adoration were all the same at the mall, with endless stores and the brilliant fountain show. 

In Abu Dhabi, the highlight for most of the boys was the desert safari experience, where they experienced intense dune bashing and mesmerizing sights, along with a belly-dancing show and eating the cultural food. They also got the chance to visit the modern Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which posed stunning sights with a deeper soulful side, which was a figure for peace and tranquility to appreciate the Muslim religion. On the penultimate day, we were off to the Yas Island Waterpark, which was simply fantastic. Everyone agreed that an afternoon packed with rides and fun was really the best way to end the excursions for the tour. 

On behalf of everyone, we would like to thank all the teachers that came on this tour for their support and guidance, especially Mr. McGowan, for organizing this incredible experience.