Charlie Knightley, director of sport at Felsted School, has returned from South Africa victorious after competing in the Cricket World Cup for England's over-50s.
England won all but one of the eight fixtures they played in the World Cup, which was the largest-ever international over-50s cricket tournament.
After a morning of heavy showers, the final against South Africa was delayed and reduced to 40 overs. South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, with England dominating proceedings from the off.
Hosts South Africa succumbed to a 65-run loss at the Newlands Cricket Stadium, with Charlie taking two catches and a stumping in the final.
Still riding on their World Cup high, England continued their winning streak to beat Australia 2-0 in Cape Town for the 'Platinum' Ashes. Charlie opened the batting scoring 30 and 60 not out in the two matches.
Charlie said: "I’m extremely proud of our team, we trained hard, put in the effort and it paid off and I’m bowled over by the support of the Felsted community.
"I hope this will help to inspire future generations to keep active and continue with their sport for as long as they are able to.
"The team spirit and togetherness of the whole squad was also a key factor to our success and it was an honour to be involved in such a positive environment."
Cricket at Felsted is overseen by director of cricket Jason Gallian, who has formerly played for England and for Essex & Notts.
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Several old Felstedians have gone on to become professionals for Essex and England, including Derek Pringle, John Stephenson, Nick Knight, Tim Phillips and Will Buttleman.
High Roding Ladies Cricket Team also tweeted Charlie their congratulations, saying: "We are delighted that our very own Charlie Knightley played a huge part in this awesome team”.
Felsted headteacher Chris Townsend said: "We are all incredibly proud of Charlie and the whole team. They thoroughly deserve this win.
"It is a great inspiration to current students to see their coaches still competing at such a high level and demonstrates the long term benefits of sport."
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