leather on willow, at last!

It is one of the most iconic summer sounds in Britain, leather on willow during a game of cricket on a sunny day. Alas, it had not been heard this summer at St Edmund’s…until last week.

With social distancing being observed, cricket returned at school when Mr Penn, our ex-seasoned professional cricketer and teacher here for 20 years, ran a series of lunchtime one to one coaching sessions on the main school pitch.

Joe, our 6th Form star and Kent Academy member, got to grips with his bowling technique in sweltering conditions with Mr Penn reminding Joe that being a bowler is a much tougher journey than batting…his batting session takes place on Friday and of course will be very easy!!

Oli worked hard on his batting and with the improvement shown, has the ability to fill Joe’s run scoring boots when cricket resumes.

Will always gives his all to every sport and he shook off the cobwebs of lockdown and began striking the ball well, despite his engrained hockey style (which is the main sport to which he excels at County and Club level).

Mr Penn, who was Kent CCC bowling coach when the county last won the national 20Twenty competition, was impressed by everyone’s approach to training. With a week left of term and with more sun promised further sessions will take place this week and hopefully club cricket will return soon.

Mr Penn