Day services bowled over by county coaches

The English cricket season may be drawing to a close but East Riding day services have been pushing boundaries and bowling over their peers thanks to a visit from Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

Adults who access day services in the East Riding have attended a cricket development day at Beverley Town Cricket Club at which they were put through their paces by several Yorkshire County Cricket Club coaches.

The day was supported by the Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB) who hope it will become a regular event.

Joe Ashdown, YCB cricket development manager for the north, said: "We had a fantastic day with all the service day centres at Beverley Town Cricket Club and it was great to see everyone enjoying the cricket activities we put on.

“The staff were brilliant all day and the service users smiled throughout as well as showing great enthusiasm and skill. Hopefully this is the start of an annual event for the East Riding".

Councillor Richard Harrap, council portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said:  “It is always fantastic to be able to offer adults who attend day services in the East Riding opportunities to try out new sports and activities.

“Having the chance to team up with such prestigious sporting organisations as the Yorkshire County Cricket Club with the support of Yorkshire Cricket Board is a golden opportunity and a partnership which I hope continues into the future.”

The session comes just six months after walking cricket was launched for the first time in the East Riding, thanks to the council’s sport, play and arts service.

Walking cricket is played with adapted rules on an indoor pitch with the aim of helping men and women aged 50 and over to access the sport for the first time, get back into the game, improve their fitness or just have some fun and make new friends.