From Cardiff High to cricketing heritage: A huge day for two Welsh pupils at Lord’s

From Cardiff High to cricketing heritage: A huge day for two Welsh pupils at Lord’s

Two talented young cricketers from Welsh state school Cardiff High have been selected to play at Lord’s on the inaugural Knight-Stokes Cup Finals Day next month.

Gus Crowter and Hasan Amar, both 15, will represent a South XI in a showcase match at the Nursery Ground at Lord’s on the afternoon of Thursday 10 September.

The pair earned the opportunity after helping Cardiff High School’s U15 side enjoy an outstanding run in the state schools competition.

“Their selection reflects the quality of the age group and the strength of school cricket at Cardiff High School,” stated Huw Lewis, Gus and Hasan’s teacher. “It shows that talented state school players can compete and excel on the biggest stages.

“The success of the school U15 team throughout the campaign in the inaugural Knight-Stokes Cup and making the national rounds has given this set of players the confidence to further develop their cricket.”

Individually, Gus and Hasan both starred with bat and ball as the school won the South Wales regional section before progressing to the second round – the last 32 – of the national competition.

In that are final against Penweddig, Gus scored 55 not out while Hasan notched 51 not out.

Their performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of competition organisers, the MCC Foundation, who invited Huw Lewis to nominate two players to take part in the inaugural Knight-Stokes Cup Finals Day.

“It’s so special to see Hasan and Gus selected to represent a mixed team made up of the very best state school cricketers in the country,” Huw told us. “Their selection is a reward for years of hard work, dedication and commitment to improving their game, and it is a moment of great pride for them, their families and everyone at Cardiff High School.

“I think they’ll be looking forward to enjoying the occasion and making the most of a truly unforgettable experience and the chance to play at Lord’s makes it even more special.”

On the prospect of playing at the home of cricket, Gus said:

“It’s a huge honour to be asked to play at Lord’s on Knight-Stokes Cup finals day; I can’t wait!

“I hope more state school cricketers, especially from Wales, will also get the chance to play there in future.”

Hasna added:

“It means a lot to play at such an iconic venue with so much history, and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s a great opportunity and hopefully one that I will remember for a long time!”

The selection of Gus and Hasan, who both play for Lisvane Cricket Club, is a fantastic recognition of both their individual talent and Cardiff High School’s success in the competition, and provides a rare opportunity for two young players from a Welsh state school to play at the home of cricket.

“It is hugely important for schools like ours to have representation on a stage like Lord’s,” Huw commented. “Opportunities like this show that talented state school cricketers can compete with the very best players in the country and earn recognition at the highest level of the schools’ game.

“For younger pupils, seeing Gus and Hasan achieve this provides real inspiration and demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a love of the sport,” he concluded. “It is also a fantastic reflection of the strength of cricket within the school and the wider state-school system.”