Uplands Prep School was once again incredibly honoured to host the annual Matthew Prior Festival of Cricket.

After last year’s absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, excitement was tangible as the six touring schools arrived on the Uplands campus last Thursday.

Matches were played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

This was the 10th edition of the Matthew Prior celebration.

The following schools were in attendance:
• Uplands Prep School 1st XI
• Tygervalley College 1st XI
• WHPS 2nd XI
• Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge 1st XI
• Northlands Primary School 1st XI
• St Dunstan’s Preparatory School 1st XI
• Uplands Prep School u/11
• St Dunstan’s Preparatory School u/11
• Johan Rudolph Academy u/11.

The festival format was one that saw teams play one 30-over game and three T20 matches.

It was fantastic to see the skill set on show from the first ball.

At the end of the festival a number of awards were handed out:
Most runs: Sohail Seonath – Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge 1st XI – 220*
Most wickets: David Louden – 11
Best all-rounder: David Louden – 11 wickets and 96 runs
Best wicketkeeper: Kyle Block – Tygervalley College 1st XI

The weekend of cricket was a great festival in memory of young Matthew Prior who passed away representing Uplands Prep in a 1st XI cricket match as an opening batsman.

Uplands thanked all of touring schools for their support.