St Benedict's cricketers tour Sri Lanka

St Benedict's U14 and U15 cricket teams based in Ealing, west London, embarked on an exciting tour to Sri Lanka in April. As well as some great cricket played against outstanding teams, the itinerary included unforgettable excursions and an introduction to Sri Lankan culture.

The tour consisted of seven fixtures against Sri Lankan school teams. The most memorable of these was played at the magnificent Galle International Stadium. Fringed on two sides by the Indian Ocean, it is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world!

The tour included several fascinating excursions, taking in tea plantations, an elephant sanctuary and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy - one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. In contrast, there was also a city tour of Colombo and a Sri Lankan Culture Show, which reached its climax with fire walking! The boys stayed in three different locations - Kandy, Hikkadua and Mount Lavinia, near Colombo.

A highlight of the tour was an inspiring afternoon at the Foundation of Goodness in Seenigama near Hikkaduwa. The charity, which is supported by the MCC, has transformed the lives of rural communities in Sri Lanka since the Tsunsmi of 2004, through providing education and sporting opportunities. After touring the Foundation, and finding out about its work, the boys played football and cricket with a group of happy, talented and very enthusiastic children. St Benedict's presented the charity with a cheque for £7,000, raised this year by pupils throughout the school. The presentation was made at the Cricket Café in Colombo, and was attended by Rangana Herath, the most successful left-arm bowler in the history of test cricket and great supported of the Foundation.

St Benedict's Senior Master, Dicky Thomas, said: "This brilliant tour provided wonderful experiences, and featured three great wins in challenging and unfamiliar conditions. Congratulations to all the boys who took part!"

Read more about St Benedict's: www.stbenedicts.org.uk