Stamford School Cricket
Mr David Jackson MIC Cricket
Southfields House, St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BQ
t. 01780 750300 e. [email protected] www.ses.lincs.sch.uk
1st March 2012
Dear Parents,
As a new cricket season unfurls, may I offer a warm welcome to all parents as we head
towards what should be an exciting new season. Once again, pre-season training has
been positive throughout the year and it is hoped that we have managed not only to target
all available year groups, regardless of ability, but also to push further our elite players.
We are therefore hopeful of continuing our improvements in U12 to U18 cup competitions,
and through a comprehensive fixture lists for all cricketers.
For your information:
May I remind parents and pupils that, as with all sports at Stamford School, all
pupils choosing Cricket as a games option are expected to be available for all
fixtures. Permission to be excused from fixtures will only be granted through
written permission from the Headmaster. Conversations with team managers are an
expected courtesy but are not a replacement for this procedure. To ensure pupils
are able to continue to perform regardless of academic pressures from exams, the
RLC is always available on Saturday mornings for revision. I do hope that this will
help to relieve any organisational pressures in the busy summer term.
Kit
For training, pupils are required to wear a Stamford School tracksuit with either a
Stamford School cricket shirt (with school crest) or a house polo shirt. For matches,
cricketers in all teams are expected to play in full whites with the Stamford School
cricket shirt and the Stamford School maroon cricket cap. Assorted helmets are also
available from the school shop.
All cricketers need to bring spiked and non-spiked footwear to all practice sessions.
With the exception of a cricket box, all other equipment (pads, bats, gloves) can and will
be provided if necessary.
Teams
Our aim at Stamford School is always to increase opportunity and enable more players to
access and enjoy cricket at every level. With this in mind, and after much deliberation,
Stamford School has decided to trial a new system regarding the selection of pupils for its
teams. In the past, pupils have played within their year groups, which has often led to
imbalances created by the disparity between age and ability. In an attempt to address this
issue, and in keeping with our year-round training programme, we will be ‘trialing’ the
combining of Years 7 & 8, thus creating a Junior Colts 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th/5th XI. This
will enable us to ensure that players are selected on individual ability rather than their
ability within their year group. It is hoped that this system will ensure that the balance
between enjoyment and improvement is more easily maintained in school fixtures.
Although many of the schools have confirmed they will be operating a similar system,
occasionally our 1st XI will play the opposition U13As, our 2nd XI will play the U12As, our
3rd XI will play the U13Bs and our 4th XI will play the U12B’s during ‘weekday’ fixtures.
It is important to note that all pupils in Years 7 & 8 who wish it will receive a minimum of
three coaching sessions per week in which they will all be exposed to ‘match situations’ if
required. The number of players selected for the teams from the older age group will be
capped, to ensure motivation is continued through Y7. In addition, the 4ths, and possibly
the 5ths should it be required, will feature Y7 pupils only. This system offers all players
equal opportunity to improve, to perform in a game-based environment and consequently
to compete for selection based on individual ability.
After School Practice Sessions
MondayU14 A/B + U15 A/B squad training
Wednesday- Jr Colts 1st-4ths squad training
Thursday- Seniors 1sts-3rds squad training
Pick up times from LMS car park will be approx. 6.10 - 6.15 p.m;
Wet Weather and Squad News
This year we will be utilising ‘news bulletins’ on the school website www.ses.lincs.sch.uk,
http://e-mossweb01/sites/Pupils/ss/cricket and also
www.facebook.com/stamfordschoolcricket. This will be used to provide information on
training and match timings, a forum for good luck messages and the ability to
view live score updates during the season. The site can be accessed by ‘liking’
www.facebook.com/stamfordschoolcricket.
It is critical that, unless a bulletin update has been posted, which will occur no later
than 9.30 a.m. on a Saturday, cricketers assume that the matches are on. I will also
use a voicemail messaging service on 07872841319.
Home Fixtures
With the aim of maintaining the pavilion as a players-only area, refreshments for
spectators will be served outside the pavilion or in the LMS entrance hall, with bathroom
facilities located at the rear of the pavilion. I hope that this will give parents the opportunity
to view the match on the 1st XI square whilst the junior cricketers take their tea break in the
dining room.
I look forward to seeing you all around the boundary over the summer. If you have any
queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
D. Jackson
Mr D. Jackson
Master i/c Cricket
Cricketers and all top coaches agree with suppliers and manufacturers that
choosing the correct size bat is vital for the proper technical development of
young cricketers. It is important that the bat is not too long and more importantly
not too heavy to hinder correct stroke play and good technique. Junior bats are
scaled down in size and weight to meet this important requirement.
Approximate weights of junior bats - this can depend on whether the bat is
English or Kashmir Willow. Kashmir Willow bats tend to be at the heavier end of
the scales set out below and are approximate average weights per size (in lbs and
oz) across all brands of bats that we stock.