A COLLEGE in Ellesmere is considered one of the best in the country after being named in a prestigious guide for the third year running.

Ellesmere College has been named in the top 100 senior schools for cricket in the UK after it was chosen from a record number of entries to feature in the prestigious 2020 Cricketer Schools Guide.

The guide, compiled by The Cricketer magazine, lists the top 100 senior and top 50 preparatory/junior schools in the UK which are selected against an extensive set of criteria including facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

Ellesmere College has a strong cricketing tradition, including links with Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire county cricket programmes.

Gareth Owen, director of cricket at Ellesmere College, said the inclusion of the college in the guide shows the commitment of everyone involved to provide top quality cricket coaching.

He said: “Cricket is an integral part of sporting life at Ellesmere College and we are extremely honoured to be listed in the Top 100 UK Cricketing Schools for three years in a row.

“Our inclusion again in this highly esteemed guide is a testament to everyone’s efforts at the school to ensure we are offering the best opportunities possible in cricket – including providing a platform for sporting stars at county and national level.

“We are proud of the chances young people have to develop their cricketing skills at Ellesmere College alongside a strong academic and community focus.

“It is wonderful that the judges have recognised that we have created an environment for all players to achieve their full potential – and we look forward to continuing to develop what we offer year-on-year.”

Simon Hughes, editor of The Cricketer, gave his congratulations to Ellesmere College and all of the schools and colleges included.

“The Schools Guide is, as ever, a fantastic publication that celebrates schools cricket and gives deserved praise to all those teachers and coaches who put in the hard work to develop our future club, county and international cricketers,” he said.

“Schools cricket has certainly benefitted from this incredible year for the sport. Congratulations to all of the schools included.”

The guide has been published with the December issue of The Cricketer and is available on The Cricketer website.