With Christmas fast approaching, long, hot afternoons spent watching cricket seem a long way away. But, The Cricketer Good Schools Guide 2019 has just been published and we are delighted that, for the third year running, Woodhouse Grove has been named as one of the UK’s top 100 best cricketing schools. The prestigious list is drawn up based on extensive selection criteria, including the quality of facilities and coaching and the breadth of fixtures programmes. The competition to be included is fierce.

An Old Grovian who is no stranger to fierce competition at the crease is Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year 2015, Dylan Budge.

Dylan joined us in Ashdown Lodge at the age of three in 1999. Mr. Frost spotted his talent for the game when Dylan moved up to The Grove, averaged over 100 in his first season at U12 and began playing for Yorkshire Schools:

“It was at that point we knew Dylan had great potential.”

In 2013, Dylan broke The Grove batting record by scoring 949 runs in the season, with an average of 135. In fact, meetings in school rooms overlooking the wicket would change venue when Dylan was at the square due to the likelihood of a ball coming through the window!

In 2014 Dylan captained the school side through a record-breaking season, winning all 18 completed matches and lifting the trophy as National Schools Twenty20 champions.

Since leaving school, Dylan has played for Scotland U19s, scoring a century in his debut and this summer he made his One Day International debut for Scotland against England on 10th June.

Dylan returned to Woodhouse Grove recently to present his Scotland shirt and chat to the current 1^st XI team. He said:

“To make my ODI debut against England was an unforgettable experience. I still don’t feel that the result has sunk in yet but it was a great day to be involved in! I owe a lot to the help of Mr. Frost and Arnie Sidebottom who helped me improve my game whilst I was at The Grove. Winning the National T20 in my final year at school is right up there as a memory alongside the Scotland England game.”

So roll on Nets – our Grove cricketers have a lot to live up to – and be inspired by.

I am committed and resilient.

I am Grovian.