Year 5/6 cricket

The Year 5/6 cricket team’s amazing journey started back in February and spanned three memorable days. The first was a trip to the home of world cricket, Lord’s. The team competed with 850 other schools across London at the prestigious venue. Beating 12 different teams, St Joan of Arc reached the final four—an absolutely incredible achievement! Unfortunately, in a nail-bitingly close game, it wasn’t to be. But the children won shirts for themselves to keep, met famous cricketers, and met Islington’s Mayor, who came down to cheer us in every match, being the borough’s only representatives in the final rounds. She was so impressed that she even invited them for afternoon tea at the mayoral chambers!

On our next day, continuing St Joan of Arc’s rich tradition of sporting achievement, both our boys’ and girls’ cricket teams once more did us proud by winning the Islington Borough Cricket title in both categories! Each team was a cut above their competition throughout the group stages where 32 different schools competed. It was clear to see that St Joan of Arc was the team to beat, and proudly, this professionalism, teamwork, and commitment refused to relent. Despite tough opposition, the children continued to raise their games with the stakes and powered towards the knockout stages, being the only school represented for girls and boys by this stage. By this stage, it was never in doubt. They marched to victory with wickets to spare, returning the shields to our overflowing trophy cabinet!

St Joan of Arc’s cricketing ability had been well known prior to this, and the team was also proudly asked to represent the borough for the London Youth Games—in both categories! A feat that no other borough representatives had achieved. The teams qualified out of the group stages, but due to scheduling difficulties, we had to cut our day short, wondering what could have been.

I am so proud of the team, and it has been a joy to see children who’ve never played cricket before take to it so well and excel to such heights in a short space of time. The whole school community should feel immensely proud of them and take a moment to remember how wonderful and unexpected trying a new thing can be.

The team consisted of: Emily H, Ottilie, Emily M, Eva, Harley, Bella, Eloise, Alyssia, Florence, Ted, Jack S, Thomas K, Thomas H, Harry, Maddox, Aidan, Myles.​