CRICKET
Cricket is flourishing at Shebbear College, where passion for the game is matched by opportunity and achievement. We proudly field teams across a range of age groups, competing in a strong fixture list that includes Plymouth College, Stover School, Mount Kelly, and West Buckland.
Our pupils regularly take part in prestigious competitions such as the Devon County Cup and the U12 Graham Harris Cup. Fast-paced formats like the annual Cricket Sixes and T10 tournaments add excitement and variety, allowing players to sharpen their skills in dynamic match environments.
Girls’ cricket is gaining impressive momentum, with both hardball and softball pathways designed to support all experience levels. Whether beginners or seasoned players, every pupil is encouraged to grow through inclusive coaching that balances challenge with support.
At the heart of our cricket programme is a dedicated team of qualified and experienced staff who foster not only technical excellence but also a lifelong love for the sport. From the first swing of the bat to competitive match play, cricket at Shebbear builds confidence, teamwork, and a spirit of excellence.
ALFIE
FORM 2 (YEAR 8)
SPORT SCHOLAR – ALL ROUNDER
Achievements:
Competed in National Athletics finals (Discus)
Plays for Holsworthy CC
Shebbear College U13 Rugby, Football and Cricket teams
Shebbear College Sport Scholar
Favourite thing about sport?
You have fun and get fitter at the same time.
Sporting Hero?
Cricketer Jofra Archer.
Favourite food?
Pasta with tuna and sweetcorn!
MR LAW
PE TEACHER (CRICKET & FOOTBALL SPECIALISM)
Qualifications:
BA (Hons) in Sport and Coaching Studies
PGCE with QTS in Physical Education
Career highlights:
- Playing university football.
- Playing cricket in Australia.
- Running the football and cricket programmes at Shebbear College.
- 3 time Barbados tourist with Shebbear.
- Coaching U15 rugby to North Devon Cup success.
Favourite part of my job:
Seeing pupils develop their skills and find something in sport that they love. The goal as a PE practitioner is to help students develop a love of physical activity, and seeing them find that sport that they will carry on with after school is what it’s all about.
Sporting hero:
Eric Cantona/Jonny Wilkinson/Andrew Flintoff. My main interest growing up has always been team sports – with football, rugby and cricket being closest to my heart. These are 3 legends who for different reasons are heroes of mine.
Favourite food:
I’ve got to go with Mr Nicholls on this one and go for steak and chips! I am also partial to a pizza – not the healthiest, but everything in moderation!
MISS SNAPE
PE TEACHER
Qualifications:
BsC (Hons) Exercise and Sport Science
PGCE in Secondary PE with QTS
Career highlights:
- Playing university football and futsal
- Playing county cricket from the age of 13 – 18
Favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing about teaching sport at Shebbear is the large variety of sport I get to coach. This gives all pupils a chance to find an activity they love and will be able to continue with in later life.
Sporting Hero?
Cricket has always been my main sport so sticking to that theme, I’ve got to say my sporting hero growing up was Jos Butler.
Favourite food?
My favourite food by far has got to be pizza – specifically a margarita but I may push the boat out to a pepperoni.
MR NICHOLLS
HEAD OF SPORT
Qualifications:
UEFA B Licence in Coaching Football
ECB Level 2 Cricket Coach
Level 1 Basketball
PG Diploma in Leadership & Management in Education
BSc Sports Science, QTS
Career highlights:
- Semi-professional football for 10 years
- Chelsea FC Coach
- Manager & Coach, transitioning a ladies football team into Fulham Ladies FC
- 10 years in grassroots football
Favourite thing about your job?
Collaborating with enthusiastic pupils and an exceptional team of PE teachers and coaches to foster a culture of inclusivity, enjoyment, and personal growth through sport.
Sporting Hero?
Steven Gerrard – I’m a Liverpool fan & loyalty means a lot.
Favourite food?
This is a tricky one! A bacon sandwich is always a winner – as is a good burger – but steak, chips and pepper sauce would be my go to!
MR FAY
1ST XI HOCKEY COACH & CRICKET COACH
Qualifications & Coaching Highlights:
ECB Level 2 Coaching
Hampshire Cricket Board Age Group Coach
Paul Roos School 1st XI Coach
Coach at Merwe Genis Cricket Academy, South Africa: Coaching in townships and local communities in the Western Cape
Coach at Serious Cricket Dummer Cricket Centre
- Hampshire County Cricket Club up to U17s
- Overseas player for Van der Stel Cricket Club, Stellenbosch
- 5-48 vs MCC XI to earn a day of hospitality at Lord’s!
Favourite thing about your job?
Seeing the week-to-week improvement in pupils over the course of their time at Shebbear and working with a dynamic and hardworking group of colleagues.
Sporting Hero?
Andrew Flintoff.
Favourite food?
Olives.
