Essex Cricket Stars Take on the First Bus Battle of the Buses Challenge

At the first event, Eva Gray, Cordelia Griffith, and Kelly Castle from Essex Cricket’s Women’s team took on the challenge. All three showed impressive skill, but it was Eva Gray who emerged victorious, showcasing her natural ability behind the wheel.

Then it was the turn of Essex Cricket’s Men’s team, represented by Matt Critchley and Paul Walter. After a closely fought competition, Paul Walter secured the win and achieved the best overall score from Essex Cricket across both events.

Also participating in the event were Department for Transport Minsters, Lord Peter Hendy and Simon Lightwood MP.  The challenge offered them the unique opportunity to experience the intricacies of bus driving for themselves, and gain insight into the rigorous training undertaken by First Bus’ drivers to ensure passenger safety and service reliability.

The cricketers were first asked to take a short theory test, before getting behind the wheel. The course, created by the First Bus Essex training school team, put drivers’ skills to the test with a series of carefully designed challenges. Participants navigated a demanding route that included some tight turns, a controlled roundabout manoeuvre, and the ultimate test of precision—a reverse parking challenge. Each driver was scored on safety, accuracy, and control.

The Battle of the Buses challenge is designed to highlight the skill and expertise required to operate a modern bus safely and efficiently. With a strong emphasis on precision, awareness, and control, the competition gave participants a first-hand experience of the dedication and professionalism of First Bus drivers.

Eva Gray, Essex Women’s Vice-Captain and all-rounder, said: “It was so much fun. Starting with a challenging theory test to jumping in the driver’s seat for the practical test was great.

“I was rooting for Kelly and Cordelia when it was their turn but secretly, I think we all wanted to beat each other to be crowned the best bus driver on the leaderboard.

“I never thought I’d have the opportunity to drive a bus so I’m really thankful to First Bus, I’ll be keeping an eye out around Chelmsford for the Essex Cricket bus.”

Paul Walter, Essex County Cricket Club all-rounder, said: “The Battle of the Buses challenge was a lot of fun. I didn’t realise how tough driving a bus would be, it felt like something out of Top Gear, with the leaderboard, obstacles and the First Bus Stig.

“We’re all naturally competitive and it’s always good to get one over a teammate. I also really enjoyed going head-to-head with Critch [Matt Critchley], I’m looking forward to seeing how Kelly, Cordelia and Eva got on.

“Thank you to First Buses for having us down for the day.”

Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, said: “We were thrilled to welcome players from Essex Cricket and Ministers from the Department for Transport to our Battle of the Buses events. This challenge is a great way to showcase the skill required to drive a bus while also engaging with the wider community. Congratulations to Eva Gray and Paul Walter for their victories, and a big thank you to all participants for taking part.”

First Bus is gearing up to share all the action from the Battle of the Buses events on its social channels. To catch every moment, follow @FirstBusEast on Instagram and @FirstEssexBus on Facebook.

For more information on First Bus services, visit www.firstbus.co.uk.