There was not one but two cricket tours in Dubai over Easter half-term.
Girls’ Tour: The recent cricket tour to Dubai was an incredible experience, and as the first-ever girls' cricket tour for RHS, they could not have wished for a better place to visit. The tournament included sides from the UAE, New Zealand and England. The girls played at the Dubai Sevens stadium for the first 3 matches and then at the world-class ICC Academy ground for the 3rd v 4th play-off match.
All matches were fiercely competitive and there were a number of standout performances from players across all teams. The standard of cricket was incredibly high, and all of the girls can be very proud of how they performed.
Among the highlights, Martha H emerged as the best and most consistent performer with the bat, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees and 40% humidity in all 4 matches. She finished as the top run scorer in the entire tournament with a total of 207 runs across 4 innings with an average of 69. A truly exceptional achievement!
On the bowling front, Skye F displayed remarkable consistency with the ball, delivering stellar performances, match after match. Skye's ability to maintain pressure on the opposition at the start and end of each innings against extremely strong opposition was truly outstanding. She finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 9 wickets in total. Skye also became the first-ever player to take 5 wickets in a match in the Root Cup, again, a truly exceptional achievement!
Overall, the tour will no doubt prove to be a valuable learning experience for all involved, and hopefully, it has prepared the girls well for the season ahead.
Boys’ Tour: The recent boys’ cricket tour to Dubai was an unforgettable experience, defined by resilience and an indomitable "never give up" spirit. Our team faced off against 4 formidable opponents, each match a test of grit and determination. Despite the tough competition, our players rose to the challenge, showing remarkable improvement with every game. Learning from each encounter, they honed their skills and adapted their strategies, epitomizing the essence of growth and evolution in sportsmanship. Amidst the fierce competition, individual talents shone brightly. Stanley K dazzled both with bat and ball, showcasing his prowess on the field. Will H’s consistent performance with the ball provided a solid foundation for our team's performance, while Vyom R's masterful half-century stood as a testament to his batting prowess.
Beyond the cricket field, valuable cricket and life lessons were gained, fostering personal growth and camaraderie among players. Memories and friendships blossomed, especially with boys hailing from Australia, America, and Dubai, uniting over their shared love for the sport. Off-field activities added a touch of adventure and discovery to the trip, with highlights including a visit to the huge Mall of Dubai, where the towering Burj Khalifa loomed overhead. A trip to Kite Beach and the exhilarating desert safari provided unforgettable experiences, enriching the journey with moments of joy and bonding that will be cherished for years to come.
