Cricket at Trinity 2025: A season to remember

As we bid farewell to our Head of Cricket Steve Richards, we reflect on his final season at Trinity, with plenty of highlights to share.

On the cricket pitch, curiosity can drive students to explore new roles, analyse performances, ask tactical questions, and push themselves to grow. From first-time players in the Junior Year to county-level athletes higher up the school, there’s a shared energy in our cricket community, and last season it was on full display. 

Breadth and inclusion 

Cricket at Trinity has a long and proud history, with records dating back to 1908. Today, the scale of the programme reflects the school’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality sport. This summer alone, over 250 students represented the school across 175 fixtures in a ten-week term; a figure made possible by a rotating system that ensures players in all teams (Cs, Ds, and Es included) get meaningful match opportunities. 

“We want everyone who wants to play cricket to get the chance to represent the school,” says Head of Cricket, Steve Richards. “Whether you’re in the 1st XI or playing your first match in the U12 Ds, you’re a valued part of the team.” 

That approach is a key part of Trinity’s coaching philosophy. “It’s not about sitting kids down for long briefings. It’s about keeping sessions full of energy, encouraging them to ask questions, and making sure they’re always learning – even when they’re fielding on the boundary.” 

Top school for cricket 

In recognition of this ethos, Trinity was this year named one of the UK’s top 100 senior schools for cricket in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2025. Selection is based on curriculum provision, facilities, fixtures and coaching, and our inclusion reflects the year-round dedication of both staff and students. 

Mr Richards adds, “We’re incredibly proud to be included. It’s a huge team effort: from the grounds staff who prepare pitches for over 30 matches a week, to the nearly 30 members of staff involved in coaching. That shared commitment is what makes cricket here special.” 

Elite level 

We have several students who are playing cricket at the highest levels, with two Sixth Formers Tommy and Rhys representing Surrey U18s, and Louie in the Fifth Year playing for Kent U18s. A number of younger students are also involved in county age-group squads and Emerging Player Pathways. 

Support for these elite players has been bolstered this year by the appointment of Alex Blake as Trinity’s new Cricket Professional. Alex brings a 17-year career with Kent to the role, and many students were already familiar with his dynamic coaching style through his work at local clubs and within the Kent District programme. 

“Alex fits right into how we coach at Trinity,” said Steve. “He’s full of energy, highly engaged, and brings a huge amount of knowledge. Our students have already gained a lot from working with him.” 

Girls’ cricket goes from strength to strength 

The past three years have seen the rapid rise of girls’ cricket at Trinity. From no fixtures just a few seasons ago, the girls’ 1st XI now plays regular matches and compete in county and national competitions. 

A real milestone came this year with the first-ever Girls’ MCC fixture – a day-long declaration match that saw our team hold on for a hard-earned draw against one of the world’s oldest cricket clubs. “It was a huge moment,” Steve says. “To have both boys’ and girls’ MCC fixtures on the same day, with shared lunch and social time, was a really powerful symbol of how far we’ve come.” 

Opportunities beyond the boundary 

For students in the U15s, the season ended with a trip to the inaugural Apex Festival at Millfield School, where teams from across the UK and abroad came together for a week of cricket, leadership workshops, and masterclasses with professionals including Andrew Strauss and Ebony Rainford-Brent. 

“It was brilliant,” says Steve. “They played great cricket, but they also got to meet players from Guernsey, Namibia and South Africa. It was the sort of experience that goes beyond sport; those are the things they’ll remember.” 

Looking ahead 

There have been stand-out performances this season – hundreds scored, hat tricks taken, debut matches won – but for Steve Richards, the highlight is something simpler: watching students grow. “To see younger players stepping up, senior players leading by example, teams celebrating each other’s successes – those are the real wins. That’s what keeps us coming back every season.” 

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This feature originally appeared in the Autumn 2025 issue of In Trinity magazine, which focused on our key value of ‘Curiosity’.