On Friday, 10th July 2026, East Lancs Cricket Club hosted the inaugural OBA vs QEGS Staff cricket match – and what a match it was!

In glorious sunshine, with boundaries flowing and plenty of exciting cricket on display, the OBA side batted first and posted an impressive score of 164. The QEGS staff team responded brilliantly, giving it everything they had in a thrilling chase that went right down to the final ball. In the end, the staff fell agonisingly short, losing by just one run.

Thank you to Smash'Em Burgers for keeping everyone well fed, and to East Lancashire Cricket Club for being such excellent hosts. Special thanks go to Dr Mark Butler for returning for umpiring duties and Mr Lockwood for organising the event, and umpiring too!

The atmosphere throughout the evening was fantastic, with staff, students, pupils, parents and Old Blackburnians all coming together to support the teams. The match was played in great spirit and provided a memorable occasion for everyone involved.

The challenge has been laid down – who's ready to play next year?

#QEGS #oldblackburnians #cricket