Oxfordshire Cricket are delighted to announce a variety of Coaching and First Aid courses . See below for more details on course dates and links to book:

Foundation Courses are designed to coach softball cricket and pitched at a beginner level. You can read more about the Foundation Course HERE

Core Coach courses are designed to coach hardball cricket and are suitable for players at beginner and intermediate stages of cricket. You can read more about the Core Coach course HERE

Click HERE for more information on choosing the right course for you.

Prerequisites for each course:

• 18 years of age

• Valid safeguarding training e.g. Safeguarding Young Cricketers

• Valid ECB Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Bursaries available:

We have a number of bursaries available (for courses booked before 31st January 2025). The bursaries are available as follows:

100% – for those in financial hardship

50% – for those coaches that are female, from ethnically diverse communities or those with a disability.

You can find out more about our bursaries, and apply HERE

If you would like more details about any of our upcoming coaching or First Aid courses, do not hesitate to contact Conor O’Hickey on [email protected]

Oxfordshire Cricket is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Youth Board, a groundbreaking initiative designed to give young people a voice in shaping the future of cricket in the county. This advisory group will ensure that the next generation of cricketers plays an active role in influencing decisions, developing new initiatives, and making the sport more inclusive and accessible.

Why the Youth Board?

The Youth Board has been created as part of Oxfordshire Cricket’s commitment to youth engagement, diversity, and long-term growth. Cricket is evolving, and it is essential that young players and enthusiasts have a say in how the game is developed at the grassroots level. By launching the Youth Board, Oxfordshire Cricket aims to:

• Ensure that young people have a direct platform to share their experiences and ideas.
• Shape youth-focused policies and programmes with the insights of those who are most affected.
• Strengthen connections between young players, clubs, schools, and the wider cricketing community.

This is an exciting new chapter for Oxfordshire Cricket, and we are looking for passionate, motivated individuals to help drive this initiative forward.

What is the Youth Board?

The Oxfordshire Cricket Youth Board is an advisory group dedicated to giving young cricketers a voice in the governance and development of the sport across the county. As a member, you will have the chance to:

✔ Inform – Engage with other young players, share insights, and represent the views of your peers.
✔ Influence – Help shape youth-focused policies and initiatives in collaboration with Oxfordshire Cricket’s leadership.
✔ Engage – Promote cricket among young people and act as an ambassador for the sport.
✔ Collaborate – Work alongside Oxfordshire Cricket staff, and senior leadership to drive change.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals aged 12 to 18 from all backgrounds, whether you play at a club, school, or just love the game. No previous experience with Oxfordshire Cricket is required—just a passion for cricket and a desire to make a difference!

What’s Involved?

• A one-year term (with the option to continue until the age of 18).
• Meetings every three months (virtually) and at least one in-person event annually.
• Members will be required to attend at least three meetings annually, and some training
• A non-voting Youth Board Chair will be invited to represent young voices at an Oxfordshire Cricket Senior Leadership Group meeting.
• Support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities within Oxfordshire Cricket.

How to Apply

To apply, simply complete the application form, which includes questions about your cricket experience, your motivation for joining, and your ideas for improving youth engagement in the sport.

📅 Application Deadline: 17:00 on 31st of March 2025

📝 Apply Now: CLICK HERE

This is a historic moment for young cricketers in Oxfordshire—be part of the first-ever Youth Board and help shape the future of the game!

For any questions, contact Nick Pinhol at [email protected]

In late 2024, Julian Laird was awarded the prestigious Walter Lawrence Schools Trophy at Lord’s, recognizing his outstanding 157* against the MCC. This remarkable feat not only earned him the accolade but also underscored his place in the long history of the Walter Lawrence Trophy, which celebrates the fastest century of the English cricket season. Laird’s score, the highest by a school player in 2024, marked a significant milestone for both him and the award.

The Walter Lawrence Trophy, introduced in 1934 by Sir Walter Lawrence, initially honored the fastest century in first-class cricket. A passionate cricket fan and master builder who founded his own cricket ground at Hyde Hall, Lawrence envisioned the Trophy as a way to celebrate exceptional batting performances. Over the years, the Trophy’s scope has expanded to include awards for male and female professionals, university players, and school players.

Laird who came through the Oxfordshire Pathway before graduating to the Sussex Academy as part of the Oxfordshire and Sussex Partnership becomes the first Oxfordshire player to win the Schools category, which was established in 2011. The award’s evolution mirrors the changes in modern cricket, with the Trophy now recognizing rapid centuries across various formats, including T20s, 50-over competitions, and international formats such as ODIs and Test matches. Past winners of the Walter Lawrence Trophy include some of cricket’s greatest names—Ken Barrington, Viv Richards, Ian Botham, and Adam Gilchrist. The 2023 winner, Sean Abbott, set a new benchmark with a blistering century off just 34 balls.

The Trophy’s criteria have adapted over time. Initially limited to first-class cricket, it was expanded in 1985 to reward the fastest centuries based on balls faced rather than minutes. In 2008, it broadened further to include domestic competitions like The Hundred and the Vitality Blast. The addition of separate categories for female cricketers in 2012 and university players in 1996 reflects the Trophy’s commitment to recognizing talent at all levels of the game.

Sir Walter Lawrence, a true cricket enthusiast, built Hyde Hall for county teams, and the Trophy he created lives on. After his passing in 1939, the award lay dormant until 1965 when Brian Thornton, who inherited the Trophy, revived it with the support of the MCC. This revival helped the Trophy grow into its current form, which celebrates the fastest centuries across all cricket formats.

The annual award ceremony, held in the iconic Long Room at Lord’s, brings together players, media, and cricket fans to celebrate these exceptional achievements. Julian Laird’s victory not only highlights his performance against the MCC but also cements his place among the next generation of cricketing stars.

Oxfordshire and Sussex Coach and Magdalen College School Cricket Professional, Alan Duncan said:

Watching Julian perform so well against the MCC bowling attack and throughout the summer highlights how much he has developed over the past 12 to 15 months. His clean ball-striking ability and the way he manipulated the field to put pressure on the MCC side were impressive for someone of his age.

Interview with Julian Laird

Julian, congratulations on winning the Walter Lawrence Schools Trophy! How does it feel to receive such a prestigious accolade at Lord’s?

“Thanks! It feels amazing to receive this award, especially at a venue like Lord’s. The awards dinner evening was really special. I think it’ll also serve as a motivator to push higher in my game.”

Your knock of 157 against the MCC was a standout performance. Can you take us through that innings and how you approached it?*

“It was a great day, although it was really hot. I just tried to stay focused and play my natural game. I took my time early on, then built some momentum as the innings went on.”

Winning the Walter Lawrence Schools Trophy places you alongside some of cricket’s greatest names. What does it mean to you personally to join that list of legendary players?

“It’s a great landmark for me to be able to see where I am so far, and again it’s very motivating to see who has won the award in previous years.”

As the first Oxfordshire player to win this award, does it feel like you’re representing your county on a bigger stage? How important is your connection to Oxfordshire in your cricket journey?

“Oxfordshire has been a real platform in my journey so far and I will always be grateful to all the coaches and for the support that has helped me up to this point.”

The Walter Lawrence Trophy has such a rich history. Did you know much about it before winning, and what was your understanding of its significance?

“I didn’t know a lot about the trophy before I heard I’d won it, but I was aware it’s an incredibly prestigious award. This meant of course I was very proud to have won it, it’s a great honour!”

Division 1 – 2025 – Final positions

Cropredy 120-1 batting second beat Cropredy A 119-4 by 5 wickets

Cropredy 25 points

Batting: Tony Vickers 26no, Harry Walters 28no, Naveed 21no, Luke Cherry 14no

Bowling: Naveed 3-0-22-1, Luke Cherry 3-0-26-1

Cropredy A 2 points

Batting: Sam Coggins 26no, Seb Coleman 26no, Dexter Ainsley 17

Bowling: Joe Spark 3-0-38-1

– – – – – – – – – –

Banbury Veterans 120-4 batting first beat Shipston-on-Stour 90-5 by 30 runs

Banbury Veterans 25 points

Batting: Steve Beck 39no, James Risbridger 17no, Ed Phillips 16, Ollie Murrey 15

Bowling: Ollie Murrey 3-0-22-2, Dan Milligan 3-0-29-1

Shipston-on-Stour 4 points

Batting: Marcus Ireland 20, Josh Bolderston 20, Jack Murphy 19

Bowling: Josh Bolderston 3-0-24-1, Max Morris 2-0-22-1

– – – – – – – – – –

Hook Norton 100-2 batting second beat Sandford St. Martin 98-6 by 4 wickets

Hook Norton 26 points

Batting: Andrew Stanley 25no, Adam Bennett 17, Kieran Scott 14no, Dan White 10

Bowling: Dan White2-0-14-1, Adam Bennett 2-0-28-1

Sandford St. Martin 3 points

Batting: George Welch 39, Chris Thompson 16,Tom Goffe 14

Bowling: Tom Goffe 2.4-0-32-2.

– – – – – – – – – –

Banbury 115-3 batting first beat Broughton & North Newington 89-4 by 26 runs

Banbury 24 points

Batting: Liam Manley 45no, Jack Lambden 29no

Bowling: Ben Maddison 2-0-29-2

Broughton & North Newington 2 points

Batting: Tom Hill 36, Jason Tilcock 25no

Bowling: Huw Moseley 2-0-18-1, Stuart Morgan 2-0-21-1