One of the joys of a CWB trip is how brilliantly unpredictable each day can be. You arrive with a plan — of course you do — but what actually unfolds on the field often ends up bearing little resemblance to what has been discussed the night before..
Today was the perfect example. On paper, our half of the CWB team were in for a relaxed day: just two schools instead of the usual three. Spirits were high as we rolled into Balyakan School.
Instead of the expected 60 children, we were greeted by around 100 beaming faces! But with a full-size football field, two cricket nets, and a team of energetic teachers ready to join in, our excitement only grew. What followed was a fantastic 90-minute session, just as we’d hoped for.
We split the pupils into four year-group teams, each rotating through fun, fast-paced batting, bowling, and fielding activities — with plenty of games sprinkled in to keep the smiles coming.
Then came Chandra Kirateswor Secondary School… where the real adventure kicked in! We’d checked all the details: group size (a manageable 60–65) and available space (a bit smaller, but still workable). All good — or so we thought.
The moment we walked through the gate, the plan went straight out the window. Around 120 eager students were already lined up in a courtyard that looked more like a building site than a playground! And just as we were taking that in, even more classes began pouring out, keen to join the fun.
So what do you do? Tell half the kids to head back to class because there’s no room? Absolutely not — that’s not the CWB way!
Instead, we split the group in two. Half became our enthusiastic spectators while the other half got stuck into batting, bowling, and catching. After 45 minutes, we swapped over — making sure every single child had their moment to shine.
And honestly? The atmosphere was incredible. Those watching cheered their classmates on, and the laughter bouncing around the courtyard was all the feedback we needed. In those rare moments when you get to step back as a coach and take it all in, you’re reminded exactly why we do what we do, and why it is important to think quick and be prepared to be flexible.
Another unforgettable day — and countless new cricketing smiles.
Lee
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