Bell End?

[The Red Baron]

Bob

If Alex wants to make it at cricket he should give rugby away. Something like hockey is a better winter activity for a cricketer. Or take up a racket sport like badminton or squash.

Too much risk of injury playing rugby or football, and they don't really enhance the skills you need for cricket.

I've never been a fan of field hockey but it is really good for the wrists, something that is vital for young batsmen nowadays. Ditto squash and badminton - good for wrists and general hand-eye co-ordination. Hockey is also good if you want to stay involved in a team sport in the winter.

[BobG]

He hasn't got any choice sadly John. It's school: rugby in the autumn term, hockey after Christmas and cricket in the summer. That's what they do and that's what he as to do.

He sounds quite miserable at the moment. He's been holed up in the school medical centre not allowed out. The wifi in there is poor so he can't even prat about on silly games. I'm not too bothered by that - it's good for the soul, but I am bothered about the fact that school and the doc are saying no sport at all for 3 weeks. He's got a trial for an MCC course and summer placement in 2 weeks time. And he needs to be in the nets a couple of times before then for that as well....

Always did think rugby is a stupid game. It cost me a tooth. It might cost Alex an awful lot more.

Bob

[The Red Baron]

I didn't think schools operated like that any longer. I thought they usually offered some choice of games, even if the choice was rather restricted.

[NickDRFC]

I'm surprised that they do. My school (left 10 years ago) was fairly old school but you for two terms you still got the choice between rugby and hockey, or if you didn't want to do either, football (no competitive side however). If you were any good at football you'd be pushed to join the rugby squad but there was still a choice.

[BobG]

Sadly, the place Alex is at offers no choice at all. It's rugby, hockey and then cricket. And that's your lot. Mind you, they have an awful lot of England, county and  district players in all three - some of whom are on the books of big clubs. In aAex's class, and cricket team, the other opening bowler plays for England. She is a girl. She's a bloody good bowler too.

Bob