Over the last few months, ACE Bristol Scholars Otis Lemon and Max Edmunds have successfully trialled and played in the Bunbury Cricket Festival.
The Bunbury Cricket Festival is one of England’s most prestigious youth cricket competitions, bringing together the country’s most talented under-15 boys to compete against one another. It serves as an important part of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) player pathway, allowing young cricketers to showcase their skills in front of coaches and selectors.
The festival dates back to 1987, when it was founded by David English as a successor to the England Schools U15 festival. This shift reinforced the festival as a stepping stone towards professional and international cricket. In the festival’s history, more than 90 former participants have gone on to represent England. This includes the likes of players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Andrew Flintoff, Michael Vaughan, and Jos Buttler.
The festival typically features 56 players divided into four regional teams—North, Midlands, London & East, and South & West—who compete in both 50-over and T20 matches over several days. In addition to competitive cricket, players receive coaching, education, and guidance to support their development both on and off the field.
For a festival of this pedigree, the trial process is extensive. Players must first perform consistently in their existing county pathways. After consistent performances, county pathway coaches submit their nominations to the ECB for their trialists. The trialist is then put through 4 trial matches, with each phase eliminating potential players from the pool. The final 14 players from each region are then picked for their regional team to play in the festival. Otis and Max were able to gain selection by standing out and performing at every opportunity possible during this process.
ACE Development Officer, Cam Jeffers said:
“I’m extremely proud of how Otis and Max have approached the opportunity and their cricket in general. As much as these rewards are showing now, the processes behind their performances have been something that we’ve looked to develop on a long-term basis. Both Max and Otis are committed to constantly improving and being the best they can be, meaning milestones such as Bunbury are part of the journey and not the destination”.
“Their commitment to long-term development means they’re always asking questions, looking to learn and looking to be 1% better than the session before. As they’re already in the county pathway, we’ve used our Academy sessions to develop their secondary skills in a bid to develop their all-round cricketing ability. We’ve also taken the approach to refine the technical parts of their primary skills, ensuring that their strengths get stronger.
Max had this to say about his experience:
“The environment and standard was extremely professional. It gave me an excellent insight into what a very high standard of cricket was like, and I feel that everyone was all together and the standards rose even when our backs were against the wall. ACE has given me insights into what high-level coaching is ever since I joined, which gave me an advantage in being able to adapt to the professional environment.
Getting other great opportunities like representing the Wiltshire men’s second XI and being 12th man for Wiltshire men’s 1st XI also gave me great insights into high-standard cricket. My club has offered great amounts of support through the process, through opportunities to play in the WEPL at a high standard. Overall, all the cricket I play, from county to ACE to club, all give me great insights into a very professional standard of cricket.”
Otis also spoke glowingly about the festival and the standard of cricket on offer:
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills against some of the best 15-year-old cricketers in the country. I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far, especially playing in the Bunbury three-day match. It was a fantastic experience, both from a coaching perspective and in terms of developing my all-round cricket.
The ACE programme has been a huge help with my preparation for the trials and gave me a head start going into the process. The support and coaching I’ve received have really helped me develop my game.
I’m really looking forward to the festival at the start of next week and can’t wait to get back involved with the ACE programme again this year.”
