The top-performing Under-15 girls from the MCC Foundation (MCCF) programme, delivered by the Surrey Cricket Foundation coaching team, were invited to take on the touring Gary Kirsten CATCH Trust High Performance Programme during a special fixture at Eltham College, London, on Friday 3 July.
Selected from the strongest players across Surrey’s MCCF U15 programme, the squad came together for their first match as a team, providing a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against high-level international opposition.
The visiting CATCH Trust team travelled from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, as part of their UK tour. The Trust delivers an inspiring programme for teenage girls, using cricket as a vehicle to build confidence, develop life skills and create opportunities for young people. In partnership with the MCC Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Programme, participants benefit from healthy meals, sanitary support and access to cricket development opportunities both in South Africa and abroad.
The two-week UK tour has seen the CATCH Trust squad play matches across the country while also experiencing everyday life in the UK, travelling independently by train and bus to games and venues. The fixture against Surrey’s MCCF Performance Girls was the penultimate match of their tour.
Played in a fantastic spirit, the match showcased both the competitive and unifying power of cricket. Batting first, the CATCH Trust posted 120 for 6 from their 20 overs. Surrey battled hard throughout the chase and remained firmly in contention for much of the innings. However, some outstanding fielding and disciplined bowling from the visitors proved decisive, with the Surrey girls eventually falling 18 runs short.
While the result reflected a closely fought contest, the day was about much more than cricket. Players from both teams shared experiences, built new friendships and celebrated the values that the game promotes on and off the field.
Following the match, CATCH Trust staff presented awards to Grace and Bhavya in recognition of their excellent performances and contributions during the game. Team photographs and even a combined song brought the day to a memorable close, providing a fitting reminder that while cricket may be a game, the friendships and connections it creates can last a lifetime.
To find out more about the MCC Foundation cricket programme within Surrey, please contact greynolds@surreycricket.com.
For more information about the Gary Kirsten CATCH Trust, visit: https://catchtrust.org/
