Green is for go as club’s youngsters show promise
GREENSIDE CC’s junior section is gearing up for another successful summer - after making a promising start to 2018.
The Tyneside club were bowled over at finishing second in the Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League Under-13 Division last summer - just a point behind champions Burnopfield.
More recently, the under-14 squad proved on anything but a sticky wicket as they reached the last four of the six-a-side Durham County Under-14 Cup indoor competition at the Emirates Riverside.
Greenside had never entered the competition before but started by beating strong favourites Willington - captain Ross Whitfield leading by example with 35 not out and figures of 3-8.
The youngsters followed up that success with a victory over Marsden in which three players - Whitfield, Charlie Lodge and Ben Horsefall - all posted 25 not out.
Next up was a strong Eppleton side - but Greenside also disposed of them to win their league group and qualify for the last four.
In the semi-finals Greenside drew eventual winners Philidelphia, who proved too good on the night in prevailing by 15 runs.
Club junior coaching co-ordinator Ross Whitfield said: “Our our boys enjoyed the buzz and the experience of playing indoors.
“For some of them it was a new experience and I was very proud of the lads’ efforts.”
With the new season only two months away, Greenside’s indoor coaching is well under way and the club will have teams from five years up to under-19s competing.
Coaching for boys and girls aged six to 11 is held very Friday (6.00-7.30, £3 per player) at Chopwell Primary School.
Boys and girls aged 12-18 meet on Sundays (3.00-5.00, £4 per player) at Kingsmeadow School in Dunston.
All the junior teams are seeking new players for 2018. Anyone interested should go along to a training session or ring Ross Whitfield on 07944 516 997.