Cricket has made an important contribution to school life over the past 100 years. The school is fortunate to have a main square and outfield set in a picturesque location in the school grounds. The facilities are excellent, with a quaint pavillion, indoor nets, bowling machine and newly acquired artificial wicket.
The first recorded cricket captain was G.A. Edwards in 1905. Since then many fine cricketers have played for the school First Eleven. C.S.Marriott, a pupil between 1909 and 1912, had the distinction of being selected for England, following a career with Kent County Cricket Club. During the Oval Test of 1933 against the West Indies, he captured 11 wickets. Undoubtedly the most famous cricketer in the school’s history is I.J. Anderson who was captain of the First Eleven in 1962 and 1963. Ivan later played with distinction for Ireland and would be widely acknowledged as one of the country’s finest ever cricketers.
Over the past 30 years the school has enjoyed considerable success on the cricket field. The First Eleven reached the final of the Schools’ Cup for the first time in 1987 with two further semi-final appearances in 2004 and 2005. Schools’ Plate victories were achieved in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 2001. The school has not been as successful in recent years, however, the future looks bright as the u12 team in 2015 won 7 of their 8 matches, with the only defeat coming against R.B.A.I. in the semi-final of the Wesley Ferris Cup. During the summer term u12, u13, u14, u15 and 1st XI teams compete in Ulster Schools’ cup and league competitions.
