Celebrating Cricket at Christ College

Ahead of a busy cricket season, our 1st XI Girls recently took on the challenge of recreating the 1896 Cricket XI photograph. 

As we celebrate 40 years of co-education, their version of the atmospheric photograph is more than a bit of fun. It’s a powerful snapshot of the inclusive cricket culture that is thriving at throughout the school.

The players in the featured 1896 photograph would never have imagined that Christ College would one day have girls and boys competing at every level, but they would certainly recognise a passion for the game across the school. 

This year, Christ College was recognised as one of the Top 100 cricket schools in the UK in the Cricketer Schools Guide 2026. With growing participation, enhanced facilities, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity, Christ College is setting a high standard for co-educational cricket.

Building on long-held traditions, the continued expansion of the cricket programme ensures that pupils of all abilities can develop their skills, compete at a high level, and enjoy the game.

Head of Cricket Steve Bradley reports,

During winter training, an impressive 188 pupils, 92 boys and 96 girls, regularly attended sessions held during lunchtimes, Friday evenings, and Saturday mornings in preparation for the 2026 season.

The school now has both boys’ and girls’ teams in every age group - 10 teams from U12 to U18, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for the game across the school community.  This expansion has enabled entry into six national competitions, two for boys and four for girls, highlighting the school’s commitment to competitive opportunities for all. 

The Summer Term programme includes a packed fixture list, with 108 matches scheduled from Year 7 through to Senior level. Again this year, the school will host its annual cricket festival for boys’ and girls’ teams. Following the success of the last three years, the event will feature prestigious fixtures, including matches involving the MCC and The Forty Club

Thanks to generous donors, The Colin Kleiser Nets were installed last summer together with a third wicket on the school fields. These new facilities are ensuring high-quality training for all players. In time for the 2026 season, and with the support of Old Breconians and The Society of Friends, a new electronic scoreboard has been installed on the main cricket pitch. What would the 1896 XI thought of that!