BEDE’s student Josh Novell is celebrating after being called up to the England Under-18s Rugby squad.

Josh’s call-up to the National first XV came as a result of a series of England Counties U18 fixtures during which he was part of the South East Squad.

During February, at the England Regional Divisional Festival in Loughborough, he took part in a three day training camp with his fellow South East squad mates, where his talents shone.

He said: “On the Friday, we played a series of 10-a-side games, during which we were unbeaten. This was followed by a Saturday spent training and a full, 15-a-side game versus the South West on Sunday. We won 39-0.”

A school spokeswoman said: “All at Bede’s wish Josh the very best and look forward to him leading Bede’s at the upcoming National Sevens Competition at Rosslyn Park.”

The school’s girls’ cricket team saw them victorious in the Lady Taverners Under-15 National Indoor competition, when Bede’s played Roedean, Portslade Aldridge Community Academy and Downlands in the competition hosted at Bede’s School.

The final was Bede’s against Downlands, both winners of two pool matches.

Downlands batted first and got off to a flying start with 22 off the first over, but the Bede’s bowlers showed great skill and accuracy to limit the score to 58 for eight off their eight overs. The Bede’s batters made light work of the target and raced to the total to win in just four overs.

These matches put Bede’s into the county semi-final and has kickstarted a very encouraging start to the indoor cricket season with an undefeated team with two tournament wins.