Roger Knight OBE - Custos King’s Schools Taunton
First-Class Cricket Career
Cambridge University Cricket Club (blue) (1967–1970)
Surrey CCC (1968–1970) and (1978–1984) (Captain 1978–1983)
Gloucestershire CCC (1971–1975)
Sussex CCC (1976–1977)
Roger Knight was one of the last school centuries. After retiring from cricket he was a
master cricketers, who managed to juggle Housemaster, teaching Modern Languages
a teaching career with playing professional and coaching cricket, rugby and squash
sport. He was a good all rounder; tall, upright at Cranleigh School and in 1990 became
and a technically correct left-hander who Headmaster of Worksop College. Four
could hit the ball hard when the occasion years later he was appointed as Secretary
demanded. He was also a nagging right- of MCC, a post he held until his retirement
arm seamer, who won Blues for Cambridge in 2006.
for four years from 1967 to 1970 and at the
Since retirement he has retained his
same time appeared for Surrey.
involvement in education and cricket. Apart
In 1971 he switched to Gloucestershire, and from his present role as Custos of the King’s
in 1974 appeared in the Test Trial, but he Schools Taunton, he was Chairman of the
moved again in 1976 to Sussex where he European Cricket Council for five years
played two seasons before being lured back and is currently President of the Cambridge
to The Oval to take over as Captain. He led University Cricket Club, Chairman of the
Surrey for six seasons, winning the NatWest ECB Association of Cricket Officials and a
Trophy in 1982. He passed 1000 runs in 13 Trustee of the MCC Foundation.
seasons and scored thirty-one first-class
Cricket at King’s Schools Taunton by Roger Knight OBE
K
ing’s cricket is ranked amongst the Competition (National Prep Schools) Jos Buttler, who has now represented,
best in the country. Over the past where they lost to Bedford School. On and is currently a full England one day
five years the success of cricket at an individual note, there are currently 7 international (and probably will be for
both schools has improved hugely and KHS pupils in the county squads (6 in many years to come). Following in his
been validated by outstanding match Somerset and 1 in Devon) and there footsteps at Somerset are Alex Barrow,
results. Excellent staff, professional are 11 current and former KHS boys in Craig Meschede and James Regan.
facilities, supportive parents and county squads. Charlie Morris has also recently signed a
a real enthusiasm for the sport all professional contract for Worcestershire
The cricket facilities at King’s Hall now CCC. We have high hopes that a
create the right environment for player
rival those at the best Prep Schools in number of our current youngsters
development.
the country and they are the envy of will emulate their role models and
Our success is not only demonstrated many of our opponents. In recent years continue through the 1st XI and into the
by our results and the number of we have invested in new cricket nets, professional game.
participants, but also by our alumni (OAs) wheeled covers, a score box and sight
who have gone on to play professional screens. In the winter months the 4 lane The future for cricket at King’s continues
cricket. This literature highlights the Sports Hall nets are fully used. to look very bright and it is thanks to our
players, staff, achievements and stars recent players, coaches, ground staff
King’s College 1st XI has lost no more and the overwhelming support we get
of King’s cricket and I am honoured to
than 6 games over the last 6 years. from both Headmasters, and parents,
be involved in a school producing such
King’s has topped the Wisden school that cricket at King’s continues to thrive.
cricketing enthusiasm and success.
rankings twice (in 2009 and 2012) and
Young players arriving at King’s Hall came second in 2011 and third in 2010.
School (KHS) are able to join one of the During the 2013 season, the 1st XI won
9 teams regularly fielded from the Under every one of its regular fixtures. For
9 squad to one of the 5 senior teams a school of its size King’s fields more
drawn from Year 7 and 8. cricket teams than most other schools
in the country, including 4 senior teams,
The 1st XI has been unbeaten against
and 4 junior teams.
all regular opposition this term, as it has
been for the previous three seasons. The last 5 years have produced no
The side qualified for the Final of the JET fewer than 5 professionals starting with
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