There are many school events that our community eagerly anticipates during the summer, but one of the true highlights is the annual MCC vs NCW Cricket Match! Every year the world-famous Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) visits to take on our NCW team in a spirited game of visually impaired (VI) cricket.

For many MCC players, this event is a cherished tradition they’ve attended several times, returning year after year. For others, it was their first visit to NCW and an introduction to the exciting world of VI cricket. United by their passion for cricket, the MCC team is dedicated to making the sport accessible to all.

This year, the weather couldn’t have been better — sunshine, a gentle breeze and clear blue skies set the perfect scene. As the MCC players donned their variety of Sim Specs, spectators took their places ready for what always proves to be a fun but fiercely contested match.

NCW’s team captain, Khadijah, who has played in this match multiple times, bittersweetly faced her final game before heading off to university in September. She led her team with confidence and spirit, rallying her fellow students throughout the game. The MCC players quickly learned the importance of communication and teamwork, especially while wearing Sim Specs, guiding each other around the field.

The match was played with great skill and sportsmanship and, as tradition dictates, ended with a classic cricket tea enjoyed by all. After the match, the MCC team was set to continue their cricketing tour by playing against The Old Elizabethans.

A massive thank you goes to all the players who took part in this amazing match — and a special congratulations to Khadijah for winning the Challenge Cap. This year, NCW emerged as narrow victors, but who knows what excitement next year will bring!