Account by Charlotte in M5
From February 9-21, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Devon U15 girls on a cricket tour to Sri Lanka. Alongside my friend, Thea, also from Middle Fifth, we were selected to join the county team. Both Thea and I play for Exeter Cricket Club, and we had been preparing for the tour since our selection in September, by attending winter nets.
Our journey began early on Sunday 9 February. At 6:45am, we boarded a bus heading to Gatwick Airport, and after a 12-hour flight, with a stop in Qatar on the way, we finally arrived in Sri Lanka, excited about the adventures that lay ahead.
During our stay, we played six matches against local girls’ teams. I took on the role of wicket keeper in most games for our team, and I had plenty of opportunities to bat. The highlight of the tour for me was scoring my maiden half-century in the penultimate match! Thea, too, had her moments of glory, bowling very well against some skilled batters, taking a couple of wickets and also scoring some valuable runs.
The Sri Lankan girls were incredibly welcoming and supportive, and we happily exchanged caps and shirts as mementos of the matches. We formed friendships and even exchanged contact information to keep in touch once we were back in Devon.
Beyond the cricket field, we enjoyed exploring the amazing culture and natural beauty of Sri Lanka. We visited stunning temples, toured Colombo, and enjoyed a memorable safari where we saw elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, and monkeys. A visit to a turtle hatchery was another highlight, where we learned about the conservation efforts to protect these amazing creatures.
The weather was hot and humid, which took some getting used to, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. The food was delicious, though a bit spicy at times, adding to the experience.
Overall, the tour was an unforgettable experience, filled with cricket, culture, and new friendships. We returned home with wonderful memories and a sense of accomplishment, grateful for the opportunity to represent Devon U15 girls on this incredible journey. Thea and I would thoroughly recommend any keen cricketers to experience a tour abroad for the county; it has been one of the most enjoyable fortnights of our lives!
