The One Day International between Ireland and West Indies at Stormont last week was abandoned due to the adverse weather that has affected Northern Ireland in recent times. This was a disappointing outcome to an event which took a lot of work and effort to organise by Cricket Ireland and the Northern Cricket Union.

However, it wasn't all doom and gloom at Stormont as the Cricket Zone proved to be a huge success on the two synthetic hockey pitches at the back of the Pavilion, in the Playball complex. The Northern Cricket Union worked in partnership with Cricket Ireland and Belfast City Council to plan and deliver a children's Cricket Zone alongside the International event.

Over 250 children from the NCU and the North West Cricket Union had the opportunity to develop new skills and play cricket throughout the day. The Cricket Zone consisted of fun games such as: Diamond Cricket, a Batting Blast Zone, a Throwing Skills Zone and Continuous Cricket.

The children enjoyed playing cricket and practicing their skills as well as having an opportunity to interact with the West Indies players, including the box office cricketer, Chris Gayle. The Irish International players also took time to join the Cricket Zone observing the children's skills and taking part themselves. The highlight of the day was seeing International cricketers passing on coaching tips to the school children.

On a disappointing day for International Cricket it was a privilege to have created this opportunity for over 250 children and hope that they left with an experience of fun and enjoyment.

Northern Cricket Union Development Officer Callum Atkinson said, 'thanks must be extended to all the schools and teachers who attended the event, as well as the Cricket Ireland, Northern Cricket Union and North West Cricket Union coaches who assisted with the Cricket Zone. The event couldn't have happened without investment from Belfast City Council through their 'Support for Sport' programme, which assisted in the travel and delivery of the event'.

Participating Schools

Northern Cricket Union Schools

• Gilnahirk Primary Schools
• Bloomfield College
• Methodist College
• Downey Primary School
• Fullerton Primary School
• Campbell Juniors

North West Cricket Union Schools

• Bready Primary School
• Eglinton Primary School
• Artigarvan Primary School
• Oakgrove Primary School