History-maker Luke is 2,000 not out for Christ’s Hospital

And that has been demonstrated in the best possible way by First XI captain Luke Hansford, who in his last term at the Horsham-based school has just recorded over 2,000 runs - making him the first cricketer in the school’s 460-year history to achieve this remarkable feat.

After a wet first weekend of term in which all 11 games were lost to the weather, Christ’s Hospital cricket sides have managed to record some pleasing victories.

The 1st XI has won three of its first five matches, including a nail-biting two-run victory over Reigate Grammar School.

The side has been very well captained by Luke, who in the last match achieved his truly marvellous achievement of passing 2,00 runs, and taking on the role of wicketkeeper, claimed four stumpings in a match against Worth School.

Other sides have been doing well, most notably the Under-14A side, who have won all three of their games so far.

The Under-15A side has also recorded three pleasing victories. It is happy to note also that both under-12 sides have won their first inter-school matches.

The most significant development this year has been the creation of a Junior Girls team. This is the first girls team to represent the school at cricket since the girls moved from Christ’s Hospital, Hertford in 1985. They have been entered into the Sussex Cricket Board’s U15 league, and have started with a bang, winning both of their matches so far.

Last week former pupil Stuart Whittingham was one of four invited to bowl in the nets at the full England One-Day squad whilst they visited his Loughborough University prior to their internationals. fixtures against Scotland, Sri Lanka and India.