A BEDE’s cricket superstar has bagged a double-award under the watchful eye of one of the best cricketers to ever have played the game.

Sixth former Raynaldo Estwick played in the Sir Gary Sobers International Tournament finals in his native Barbados where he scored the most runs and the highest individual score in the tournament – 136 not out. Ray received his prizes from Sir Everton Weekes and the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers.

Director of cricket at Bede’s, Alan Wells, said: “Ray is a fantastic player and has had a great season at Bede’s being instrumental in helping the team win the Langdale Cup recently.”

Ray joined Bede’s last September with the aim of following in alumni Shai Hope’s footsteps.

Mr Wells said: “His father sent him over after seeing the success of Shai Hope who we also had come over from Barbados.

“Shai was with us for two years and set the world alight to break into the Barbados first team, so I think Raynaldo’s dad wanted his son to go through the same programme.

“He’s been working hard on his game and he’s coming on really well, he’s always learning and always progressing.

“The hard work has started to show.

“If he keeps progressing there’s no reason at all why he can’t break into the Barbados Youth setup.

“The system in the West Indies is a bit different to what we have over here.

“There aren’t the academies that we have, so a lot of young cricketers can get lost in the system, but if Ray keeps scoring runs then who knows.

“He’s a very stylish player and played some solid innings for us this season.

“Ray’s a popular member of the team and away from cricket he’s pretty diligent and he’s doing well academically.

“I’m sure the teachers would like him to work a little bit harder, but then that’s the same with any teenager.”

The Bede’s first team won the Langley Cup this season and remain unbeaten in the 50-over format of the game having not lost on a Saturday for two years.

Mr Wells said: “We’ve had a successful season without reaching the dizzy heights of last season and the year before.

“We would’ve liked to make more of an impact in the national cup, but it was still a good season for us.”

It’ll be business as usual next season with an added extra of a coach coming in full-time to bridge the gap between the Prep School and the Senior School.

Mr Wells said: “The Prep School have done brilliantly this season so we’re really excited to have our coach on board with us so that players are well prepared to cope with the transition to senior school.”