April, the beginning of the Summer Season. For some, an exciting term of sport and activity, while for others, the beginning of exams.

Many school-kids and their families often venture off to exotic destinations such as Tenerife and the Caribbean, for one group of boys it was similar, but not just for any old holiday. Hampton School 3rd and 4th year cricketers were blessed with an opportunity to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a once in a lifetime tour for the Arch Cup trophy.

On Thursday 29th of March, the boys and their accompanying teachers congregated at Heathrow Airport for their afternoon flight to Dubai Airport. After an interesting and rather exciting flight, where very few people managed to catch any sleep, the school touched down in Dubai at 1 in the morning. After a long wait at the airport, the boys weee finally transferred to their hotel, Al-Salam apartment. On arrival the boys were quickly shown their rooms and as expected, everyone fell asleep instantly.

The kind teachers gave us the opportunity to sleep till the afternoon, as the flight time had been odd and our sleep pattern was slightly disrupted. When we woke up in the morning, the tour fully began. On the first day we trained at the famous ICC Academy, home of Dubai’s cricket. It was a great session and we all found out one thing that day, it was going to be a struggle.

The heat was intense, constantly beating down on us. On the first night we had a deserved relaxation area by the pool. The second day was similar, except we were then given the opportunity to visit Dubai mall and see the Burj Khalifa light show at night, which was spectacular.

The next day was our first game, against Elizabeth College from Guernsey. After a great start from the openers Hampton put a large score on the board and Elizabeth failed to chase it down, wrapping up a comprehensive victory. The second game was our first against a local team, Zayed Academy of Abu Dhabi. After an average batting performance, Hampton gave it their all in the field, but could not prevail. It was clear that some of the boys may have made some new enemies that day. After the game we had an opportunity to relax at The Sevens ground, home of Dubai and UAE rugby, a truly spectacular ground.

For our third game we had to wake up early, as we were no longer playing in Dubai, we were moving to Abu Dhabi. Straight off the bus the Hampton Boys started warming up. Our opponents: Epsom College. After opting to bowl first, we soon found ourself in a tricky situation. However, after some heroics from ten captain, we found ourselves with a chaseable score. Despite the top order failing again, the middle and lower order came in clutch. After some wonderful cameos, Hampton found themselves winning in the last over with only one wicket left!

After celebrations, we headed to our hotel, only a couple of minutes away, and it was obvious we were all in love at first sight. The Marriot in Abu Dhabi was a spectacular hotel and the boys managed to use all the facilities while spending time there. The next day was a rest day and the Hampton boys were invited on a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It was a very informative trip and one everyone enjoyed.

Then came our final day of the tour, and our final match. We were up in the 3rd/4th place playoffs against the local Dubai College at the test cricket Zayed International Stadium. This game we opted to bowl first on a green wicket, and what a decision it was from the captain. Dubai College were skittled for less than 100. After the opener carried his bat and another middle order cameo, Hampton finished off in style to round off a great tour, as well as another few hours in the pool after the game!

We flew back safely and were surprised when we landed to a dry summer morning. After saying our goodbyes, the players parted and the great tour had finally come to an end.