Pupils very kwik to make an impression
SOUTH Tyneside primary school pupils were joined by Durham cricketers Brydon Carse and Jack Burnham at the Port of Tyne Kwik Cricket Festival at South Shields Cricket Club.
Twenty-five teams from 10 schools took part in the year six festival, sponsored by Port of Tyne and organised by the Durham County Cricket Club Foundation and Durham Cricket Board.
After a competitive day umpired by cricket activators from St Wilfrid’s Secondary School, East Boldon Junior School claimed first place, defeating Mortimer Primary in a hotly-contested final.
Batsman Burnham and pace bowler Carse were involved in the action and presented the winning sides with medals.
Port of Tyne have been supporting the development of grassroots cricket within the South Shields area, making the sport more accessible to local primary schools and supporting leadership development opportunities within local secondary schools.
The festival was an opportunity for the pupils to put their cricketing skills to good use.
Steven Harrison, Port of Tyne Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Port of Tyne is proud to support grassroots sport though our strong support of Durham County Cricket Club Foundation.
“The schools tournament is a great initiative and it was fantastic to see so many schools from South Tyneside participating.”
DCCC Foundation manager Josie Pointon said: “The festival is a great way for young cricketers to improve their skills, keep active and enjoy the social aspect of being part of a fun-filled day of cricket.
“It was great to see so many pupils enjoying themselves, playing some excellent cricket and contributing to a highly successful day.
“We are extremely grateful to Port of Tyne for supporting the development of sustainable grassroots cricket and leadership opportunities within South Shields.
“We want to see children being healthy and active and for cricket to be accessible to all and this festival did exactly that.
“We hope to raise the aspirations of children through cricket and I am sure the opportunity to meet and play cricket with Brydon and Jack inspired a few budding cricketers.”
East Boldon now go forward to the Durham Kwik Cricket Mixed County Final at Burnmoor CC on June 22.