Cricket Roundup – Summer Term 2026

It has been another encouraging summer for cricket at Lancing, with significant progress made across the boys’ and girls’ programmes. While results are always welcome, this season has been defined by the development of our young players, the opportunities created across all age groups and the positive direction in which the programme continues to move. 

The Boys’ 1st XI, under the leadership of Mr Sunderland, fielded one of the youngest senior sides in recent years. Throughout the term the squad grew in confidence, gaining valuable experience against strong opposition and showing clear improvement as the season progressed. Cricket Week proved to be a particular highlight, with two victories, a draw against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and just one defeat in challenging conditions. Alex McGuinness enjoyed an outstanding season, producing a superb century against the Lancing Rovers (our OL cricket team) alongside an excellent 80 against the MCC, demonstrating both maturity and consistency at the crease. 

The senior side also competed in the T20 Cup against Worth School. Chasing a challenging target of 180, Lancing battled hard before finishing 30 runs short in an entertaining contest. Alex McGuinness again led the scoring with an excellent half-century, while several Third and Fourth Form players made impressive senior debuts, underlining the exciting depth of talent emerging through the programme. 

The Girls’ 1st XI, led by Mr Mole, also enjoyed a positive summer. Increased squad numbers created healthy competition for places and translated into encouraging performances throughout the term. Bibi Webb was particularly consistent with the bat, recording unbeaten innings of 44 and 40, while Grace Haworth produced an outstanding spell of bowling to claim three wickets against Eastbourne. The continued growth of girls’ cricket at Lancing remains one of the programme’s most encouraging developments. 

The U15 Boys enjoyed an exceptional season under Mr Janes, recording the highest winning percentage of any age group within the College. Their progress was reflected not only in results but also in player development, with five members of the squad earning opportunities to represent the Boys’ 1st XI during the summer. 

One of the standout performances of the season came in the first round of the Blackshaw Bowl Cup against Christ’s Hospital. After being asked to bat first, Lancing amassed an impressive 174 before declaring after just 14 overs due to approaching weather. Thomas Clark produced a magnificent unbeaten century, finishing on 102 not out, before the bowlers completed a dominant performance by dismissing Christ’s Hospital for fewer than 70 runs. Hugo Mole was the pick of the attack, claiming an outstanding five-wicket haul in a comprehensive victory. 

The future of boys’ cricket also looks particularly bright. Congratulations must go to Freddie Brookfield and Thomas Clark, who both scored centuries during the season, an outstanding achievement at any level and one that reflects the exciting talent developing within our junior programme. 

At our end-of-season awards, Thomas Clark and Hugo Mole were deservedly recognised as the programme’s Most Valuable Players following outstanding individual summers. 

Away from the results themselves, perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the season has been the continued development of players across every age group. The willingness of younger students to step into senior cricket, embrace new challenges and continue learning gives us great confidence for the future. 

Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for our 2027 pre-season tour to Desert Springs in Spain. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s premier cricket facilities, the tour will provide players with the opportunity to train daily on turf wickets, access first-class gym facilities and benefit from specialist coaching in a professional, match-ready environment. It promises to be the ideal preparation for the 2027 summer season and another important step in the continued development of Lancing Cricket. 

My thanks go to all of our players, coaches, parents and supporters for their commitment throughout the summer. Cricket continues to go from strength to strength at Lancing, and we look forward to building on this year’s progress in the seasons ahead. 

Michael Gould
Head of Cricket