The crowds and the sunshine came out to see Solihull School's 1st XI defeat the Alumni XI in a thrilling Friday Night Lights fixture on 3 July 2026.

Chasing an imposing target of 204, the 1st XI produced an impressive batting display to secure victory by seven wickets with overs to spare. During the evening, players, alumni, families and supporters also came together to bid a formal farewell to the School's much-loved Head of Boys' Cricket, Darren Maddy, who retires at the end of term after an outstanding contribution to cricket at Solihull.

While the result may soon fade into the record books, the occasion itself celebrated a tradition that stretches back well over a century.

Although we cannot say with absolute certainty when the first Old Silhillians versus 1st XI cricket fixture took place, we know that it was being played at least 140 years ago. The very first edition of The Shenstonian, published in 1884, records a six-wicket victory for the School 1st XI over the "Old Boys", despite a spirited late fightback from the former pupils.

That same edition also contained a seemingly modest proposal: to begin "keeping a list" of former pupils so that more could be invited back to future events.

By 1909, that list had grown sufficiently to support the School's first annual Old Boys' Day. During the event, an Old Boys' Association was formally established with the aim of helping members "keep up old friendships and help the school which has done so much for its pupils." By the end of the day, membership stood at an encouraging 59.

More than a century later, much has changed. Co-education has transformed the School community, and the network now includes Old Silhillians, Saint Martin's Old Girls, former parents and former staff. Today, more than 18,500 members are connected through our online and real-world community.

Yet the purpose remains remarkably similar to that outlined in 1909: bringing people together, maintaining friendships and supporting the School and its pupils.

Events such as the annual Alumni XI cricket match provide the perfect opportunity for former pupils to reconnect. They are also often among the first Old Silhillians events attended by our newest leavers, helping them begin the transition from pupil to alumni.

Solihull School prides itself on being a community for life. Throughout the year we welcome former pupils back to campus for reunions, tours, lunches and special events. Our younger alumni remain closely involved too, with many attending their year group's popular 21st Birthday Party on the Masters' Lawn. This September, we look forward to welcoming back the Class of 2023.

The past year has been another busy one for the Old Silhillians community. Alumni have gathered for a dinner at the House of Commons, reunion events for leavers from 1976, 1986 and 1996, and two Old Silhillians Association Over-60s lunches. We have also celebrated the generosity of former pupils, staff and parents who support bursaries through the Silhillian Fund or have pledged a legacy through the 1560 Society.

Many Old Silhillians and Saint Martin's Old Girls continue to give back through volunteering and mentoring. This year alone, alumni have returned to speak at FUTURES Friday careers talks, supported Sixth Form interview preparation and volunteered their time in the School archives.

As the latest generation of pupils prepares to leave Solihull and join the alumni community, occasions like Friday's match serve as a reminder that being a Silhillian does not end when you leave the School gates. Whether returning for a reunion, exploring old haunts, supporting current pupils or simply reconnecting with friends, the Old Silhillians network remains a lifelong source of connection and community.

After all, 140 years on from that first recorded fixture, we are still doing exactly what our predecessors intended: keeping up old friendships and supporting the School that brought us together.

Professional photos by NickBImages