Girls' Cricket Festival Showcases the Power of Community Partnership

Mill Hill Education Group was delighted to partner with Berkhamsted Cricket Club once again to deliver the 2026 Year 5 Girls' Cricket Festival, building on the success of the inaugural event held as part of the Club's 150th anniversary celebrations last year. Together, the partnership brought 12 teams from local state and independent primary schools together for a wonderful day of cricket, friendship and community engagement.

Played in glorious sunshine, the festival demonstrated the positive impact that schools and community organisations can achieve when united by a common purpose. Over 120 girls came together to celebrate cricket in an environment that was competitive, inclusive and above all enjoyable. The enthusiasm, energy and sporting spirit shown throughout the day were a credit to every school involved.

It was particularly pleasing to see all of the Mill Hill Education Group prep schools represented. Berkhamsted Prep narrowly overcame Belmont in an exciting Cup Final, while Lyonsdown edged past Keble Prep to win the Plate competition. Westbrook Hay (2) were crowned Diamond Cricket Cup champions after a series of impressive performances.

Our sincere thanks go to the coaches and volunteers from Berkhamsted Cricket Club, whose commitment ensured the festival was such a success, and to the Sports Leaders from Ashlyns School and Abbot's Hill School for their excellent support throughout the day. Thanks also to Merecedes who kept all the grown-ups going with coffees from the Abbot’s Hill Horse Box!

We were also delighted to welcome Mill Hill Education Group Director of Cricket, Jamie Diamond, who spent the day supporting and encouraging the teams before presenting the prestigious Spirit of Cricket Award. This special prize, a cricket bat signed by the England Women's Cricket Team and generously donated by Berkhamsted Cricket Club, was awarded to Bridgewater School in recognition of their outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude throughout the festival.

Perhaps the most rewarding moment came at the end of the day when a group of girls spoke enthusiastically about writing to their Headteacher to ask for a girls' cricket club to be established at their primary school. Their excitement perfectly captured the purpose of the festival: inspiring more girls to develop a love of cricket and helping to create the next generation of players at a time when opportunities for girls within the game have never been greater.

Leon Roberts

MHEG Director of Prep