This week saw Lurgan Cricket Club visit Templepatrick Cricket Club in Ballyclare to initiate both clubs first Under 11 Cricket Blitz. This saw 70 Under 11 boys and girls from both clubs participate in cricket with children as young as 5 years old getting a chance to enjoy the game.

This idea was put together by both Clubs’ Cricket Development Officers, Jonny Gillespie of Lurgan CC and Andy McCrea of Templepatrick CC,

The event was devised as an extension of the clubs’ summer scheme and youth coaching set ups and to give girls and younger players more opportunity to participate and to show off the skills they have learnt at their clubs while also meeting their peers from other clubs.

All coaches were delighted with the outcome as it was clear that the kids were fully engaged and enjoying the games.

The format involved 4 games of KWIK cricket being played on the outfield at once (Girls U11s, Girls U9s, Boys U10s and Boys U8s) with each team getting 3 games.  

Earlier in the season Templepatrick U11s and U9s girls teams had travelled to Lurgan and that evening was so successful that this time they decided to include the young boys groups.

Templepatrick Cricket Club would like to thank Sport NI and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their continued support in investing in youth cricket in the area

Lurgan Cricket Club would like to thank Moy Park LTD their primary sponsor and Craigavon Sports Advisory Council for their support.

Both clubs would fully endorse this type of venture and other clubs who are interested should contact :

Lurgan Cricket Club               Jonny Gillespie                 jonny_lurgan@btinternet.com
Templepatrick Cricket Club  Andy McCrea                     mccrea.a@sky.com