Training sessions for junior cricket players start at Hurst Cricket Club from Friday, May 5.
There’s still time for players to contact the club about going – or they can just turn up.
The training is by coaches from professional coaching company Pure Cricket. They will be supported by cricket parents who have had or will have training for this.
The sessions for under 9s and under 11s are between 5.45 and 7pm, and for under 13s and under 15s between 7 and 8.15pm.
There was a real buzz around the cricket field last Friday as dozens of young people gathered at the club’s taster sessions for the coming season.
Their parents enjoyed a barbecue as they watched the play. The plan is for similar social events during the Friday training sessions. The club’s bar will be open.
In past summers Friday evenings at the club have been a social and cricketing highlight of the week for many families and other supporters.
Last Friday, at the club, junior section organiser Rob Dewey said: “It’s great to see all the young people here and also the adults socialising.
“About 80 young people have signed up or just come along tonight. We’re very pleased. I’d like to thank the many parents who stepped up to help out. The community has really pulled together to make it a success.”
In addition to those organising the cricket, others ran the barbecue and the bar.
“We put on a special session for under 13 girls to try and fulfil our commitments and fixtures for the season. We just need some more players,” added Mr Dewey.
“This evening is the launch for the summer. We’re hoping the young people here decide to join the club full-time and get involved in a packed season of training and games.” To join youngsters don’t need cricket experience.
Fixtures secretary Ravi Khehar, who is the under 15s manager, said: “Rob has done a great job. We’re delighted so many have come along.”
The junior section’s new sponsor, Richard Boyden, known in the village and further afield for his windows and exteriors cleaning business Richard of Hurst, was at the event. “This taster evening is fabulous, with a huge turnout. It’s clear they’re having fun,” he said.
Anyone else interested in playing can phone Mr Dewey at 07883 089623.
There’s also cricket at Hurst for five to eight-year-olds under the English Cricket Board All-Stars scheme starting on Friday, May 12, at 5pm for eight weeks. They’re run by Catherine Pearce of Hurst. Children registering for All Stars receive a backpack including a cricket bat, cricket ball and a T-shirt with the child’s name on it. To register visit: https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars
Hurst Cricket Club is also seeking some senior players. The first team which finished second in the Thames Valley Division II last year, has more than 25 players. The club would like to hear from all potential players, though the second team has a particular need for more. Details are at: https://hurst.play-cricket.com/Aboutus
