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There is always a special sense of anticipation as the cricket season begins at Wellington College, and today marks that moment once again. With our first matches of the season taking place this afternoon, students, staff and supporters alike look forward to a summer of competition, development and memorable performances.
This year, the start of the season is made even more special as we celebrate one of Wellington’s most inspiring recent success stories: Old Wellingtonian Francesca “Cesca” Sweet, who has signed a two-year deal with Hampshire Cricket.
Francesca’s journey is one defined by resilience, determination and an unwavering belief in her own ability. In a pathway often dominated by academy systems, her rise through the ranks has been anything but conventional. Having never been part of a formal academy set-up, she forged her own route into the professional game, an achievement that speaks volumes about her character.
From her early days as a young cricketer at Sussex, Francesca continued her development with her home county of Berkshire before earning opportunities further afield. A successful spell with Leicestershire followed, where her performances showcased her all-round capabilities and growing confidence at a higher level.
Her progress continued through the Challengers, where she competed against professional players, an experience that not only tested her ability but proved she belonged at that level. It is a powerful reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere, at any stage, when matched with commitment and belief.
At Wellington, we are proud to have supported Francesca on her journey and to have played a role in her development. Her success is not the story of one system or one team, but of an individual who consistently backed herself and embraced every opportunity that came her way.
Her recent signing with Hampshire is richly deserved and marks an exciting new chapter in what promises to be a very bright future in the game.
Francesca’s success is no coincidence. It reflects the strength and momentum of girls’ cricket at Wellington, led by Thea Brookes, whose experience across the domestic game, including spells with Central Sparks, Southern Vipers, Warwickshire and Surrey, has been instrumental in shaping the programme.
Wellington has a proud cricketing heritage, famously playing a key role in the development of the Curran brothers and is now rapidly establishing itself as a force in the girls’ game.
“There’s been a real shift,” says Brookes. “I like to go around and ask our students who their favourite cricketer is and quite often now they’re saying names like Nat Sciver-Brunt or Lauren Bell.
“A lot of our younger students are really into the game. They’re watching it, understanding it tactically, and competitions like The Hundred have definitely played a part in that.”
This growing enthusiasm is translating into depth and quality across the programme.
“Historically, in girls’ cricket, one or two players might dominate,” Brookes adds. “Now we’re seeing strong all-round sides developing right through the XI.”
Wellington’s location also provides a powerful platform for progression, with Berkshire closely aligned to Hampshire and strong neighbouring pathways through Middlesex and Surrey.
Director of Sport, Dan Pratt, highlights the importance of role models in this journey:
“We are incredibly fortunate to have figures like Thea leading the programme. Alongside that, we have students and recent leavers achieving at county level and beyond.
“We can’t underestimate the importance of creating a true ‘club’ environment here. Something as simple as a co-educational honours board, where centuries from the girls’ 1st XI sit alongside the boys’ helps reinforce that sense of shared identity and ambition.”
He has also seen a significant cultural shift in attitudes towards the game:
“There was a time when people might have said cricket was too long, or difficult to fit around busy schedules. Now, there’s a real openness to different formats, T20, The Hundred and that’s helping more students engage with and enjoy the game.
“Ultimately, we’re trying to instil a lifelong love of cricket.”
As the season begins today, Francesca’s achievement stands as both a milestone and a source of inspiration. It reflects not only her individual determination, but also the exciting direction of cricket at Wellington.
We look forward to a summer of success on the field and to following Francesca’s continued journey in Hampshire colours.
