Horspath Cricket Club News story

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Horspath warm up with a STRONG workout

15 May 2026

Horspath's players warmed up for this weekend's matches with an intensive workout at STRONG Pilates Oxford courtesy of the club's new principal sponsors.
The men's and women's squads each took part in 45-minute sessions at the Stanton St John state-of-the-art studio on Thursday night.
With net practice and fielding drills in the quiet surroundings of the Recreation Ground set aside for one evening, the players participated in high-energy cardio and strength training with loud music in the background.  
Director of Cricket Will Eason said: "It was great to come to the studio and link up with STRONG as part of the sponsorship for the next three years.
"It was a lot more intense than we thought it would be but it was absolutely brilliant. There was a really good camaraderie between the instructor Roz and the guys.
"We really appreciated it and thank STRONG for having us here today".
Director of Women's Cricket Munaza Dogar led her squad into the session. 
She commented: "This evening was a great opportunity for the women’s side to connect away from the cricket pitch prioritising our health with a focus on building strength. 
"We are grateful to Roz at STRONG for leading an intense yet incredibly fun session. The music was spot on. We’re looking forward to our weekend fixtures with renewed energy!"
Welcoming the players to the studio, owner and director Khaleda Rahman was keen to emphasize the training was equally relevant for men and women.
She said: "I think it provided an education in terms of how important within fitness Pilates is. It is not just for women and it is not easy to do. 
"The reason it is difficult is because you are working muscles that you are not normally doing in sports or running.
"Whether you are a cricketer, footballer or golfer looking after your body is very important, especially as you get older.
"The reason we decided to open in Oxford was to encourage inclusivity."
As well as the Pilates studio, STRONG also have a wellness centre, which will focus on an individual's overall well-being rather than just physical fitness, opening next month.
Horspath will be hoping the sessions pay off for this weekend's fixtures.
The men have games against Wargrave, Banbury 2nd, Bledlow Ridge and Bledlow Ridge 2nd on Saturday, while the women have two matches at home to Oxenford on Sunday.