Barely a week after playing a part in Bermuda winning the ICC Men’s T20 Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier, Luke Horan was back in England to clinch the National Schools Under-18 T20 Cup with King’s College Taunton.

Horan, who registered a career-best four for 13 in Bermuda’s victory over Brazil this month, took two for 21 in 3.5 overs as King’s College defeated Shrewsbury School by four wickets.

The 17-year-old’s bowling effort helped King’s College bowl out Shrewsbury for 117 in 19.5 overs after they won the toss and chose to bat at Wormsley Cricket Ground.

Horan contributed six runs at No 5, with King’s College getting to their target in 16.3 overs. Opening batter Rishabh Shimpi top scored for the Somerset-based school with 50, as they secured their second national T20 title.

“Winning a national schools title is something you dream about,” Horan told The Royal Gazette.

“To achieve it with such a close group of team-mates makes it even more special. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime feeling that I’ll never forget.

“Coming back from representing Bermuda in the World Cup qualifiers and then helping King’s win the national title made it an incredible few weeks.

“It was great to return to a really strong team that had worked hard all season and to play my part in finishing the job.

“To experience representing my country and then winning a national title with my school in such a short space of time is something I’m extremely grateful for.”

The young all-rounder made the switch from Warwick Academy to the South West of England in August 2024.

He left for England shortly after winning the Bermuda Friendly Societies Association's 21st Cup Match Sportsmanship Award. The accolade was voted for by umpires, with the youngster recognised for displaying exemplary behaviour during the Annual Classic at Somerset, where he came on as a substitute fielder.

“This was my first title with King’s College, which makes it even more memorable,” he said.

“The school won the competition back in 2023, so it was brilliant to help bring the trophy back again and continue that success. We’ve got a fantastic group of players and everyone contributed throughout the competition.

“Winning a national title is never easy, so it’s a real credit to the coaches, staff and the whole squad for the work that’s gone in over the last year.

“It was also my final match for King’s College, so I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish. The school has given me so many opportunities over the last few years, both on and off the field and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me.

“To end my time here by winning a national title alongside such a great group of team-mates makes it a really special way to sign off. It’s a memory I’ll always look back on with pride.”

Horan made his Cup Match debut for St George’s last year at Wellington Oval. He picked up two wickets and scored 20 runs as the match ended in a draw, with Somerset retaining the trophy.

With the form he has shown for his school and the national team, Horan could be one of the key players for St George’s in their quest to wrestle the trophy from Somerset at the end of this month.

“It’s shaping up to be a really exciting summer.,” Horan added.

“Hopefully, I’ll be selected again for Cup Match, which is always one of the biggest occasions on island and it’s something every cricketer in Bermuda wants to be part of.

“The atmosphere around the island is already building and it’s an amazing event to experience.

“I’ll be playing plenty of cricket for Warwick Workmen’s Club, so there are lots of opportunities to keep improving and enjoying my cricket.

“After such a memorable season with King’s College, I’m looking forward to taking that confidence into the rest of the summer and, hopefully, contributing to more success back home in Bermuda.”