NCB bowled over to be able to play
NORTHUMBERLAND Cricket Board was fearful the coronavirus pandemic could significantly impact on the progress and growth of junior cricket seen in recent years.
However, once cricket was given the go-ahead in July, the Board worked quickly to ensure there was plenty of junior cricket played.
In the nine-week window 23 clubs and 26 teams participated in under-11 cricket, 22 clubs and 24 teams played at under-13 level and 18 clubs were involved in under-15 games.
Clubs also organised their own under-nine friendlies instead of festivals and the girls’ game also continued to gain momentum with six clubs taking part in the under-14 league.
The NCB’s Ian Wardle said: “We were delighted with the number of clubs able to be part of the 2020 competition despite the Covid restrictions.
“Running fixtures into September allowed us to deliver opportunities throughout the summer.
“We look forward to working with clubs into 2021 with the support of our title sponsors North of England P and I to provide as many opportunities as possible for boys and girls from under-nines to under-19s.”
The NCB also successfully delivered junior summer camps at 14 different cricket clubs across Northumberland, sponsored by North of England P and I.
Cricket Development Officer James Morgan said: “After already missing three months of the cricket season it was fantastic to see youngsters and coaches back outside playing and coaching.”