At a school where the world’s greatest cricketer once learned his craft, expectations could prove to be a burden.

But Bowral Public School sees Don Bradman’s exploits as a legacy to burnish; their primary school cricket team doing just that by claiming the state primary school title.

The Southern Highlands school, famously attended by ‘The Don’ more than a century ago, capped off a remarkable season by winning the championship for the first time.

After dominating regional competitions across NSW, Bowral’s Year 5 and 6 team progressed to the state finals series late last year.

In a quarterfinal played in Young, the side set the tone by scoring 5-203 before restricting Griffith Small Schools to 5-114.

A semi-final win in Bathurst followed, before the grand final was abandoned due to time constraints, resulting in Bowral being declared equal first in the state.

While the school has celebrated state success in other sports, the result marked a first for Bowral Public School’s cricket program.

Coach Natalie McLean said carrying the legacy of Bradman was a source of pride rather than pressure.

“We have a significant number of talented athletes at Bowral Public School, and we deeply value what sport provides our students; teamwork, resilience and opportunities to grow,” she said.

Principal Aimee Perfrement noted with pride that the school consistently performed at a level that exceeded expectations across a range of endeavours, both within the region and beyond.

“They love cricket here and they definitely see the significance (of Bradman Oval) and the great privilege there is to train and play there,” she said.

“It’s a proud reminder that even the biggest legends start their journey at school, dreaming, practising, and having a go, just like our students today.”

In more recent times the school has nurtured the talents of Lauren Cheatle who has gone on to play cricket for NSW and Australia while current school player Archer Lach-Newinsky made the state team for his age.