Students in Ashtead played host to talented young Sri Lankan cricketers as they toured the country during a charity initiative organised by Sir Ian Botham's daughter Sarah.

The City of London Freemen's School invited the Unity Team of U19 cricketers to stay in one of their boarding houses during their June visit to the UK.

The Unity Tour, set up by Sarah Botham, departed from Colombo for the UK on June 9 and the selected squad played four matches against top English schools.

The Unity Squad includes exceptionally talented U19 cricketers from 14 different schools island-wide, including seven boys from previously war-affected areas in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

The 50-over matches were played against Eton College, Emanuel School in London, Oundle School and the City of London Freemen's School in Ashtead Park, Ashtead.

The tour included an opportunity to visit Lord's cricket ground and watch the second day of the Sri Lanka v England Test match.

Alex Buhagiar, master in charge of cricket at City of London Freemen's, said: "It was an honour to host such a talented group of young cricketers. I hope that this will be the beginning of a fruitful tradition for both sides. Freemen's First XI enjoyed meeting the visiting cricketers and hearing about their different life experiences as well as the challenge of playing them."

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