Girls’ Summer camp a smash hit
Cricket Shropshire’s Summer camps for Under 11 and Under 13 girls at Shrewsbury School proved a big hit with all who took part.
The camps followed on from the success of the boys’ camps the previous week, giving the girls the chance to experience the brilliant facilities at Shrewsbury School in the three-day, two-night experience, packed with cricket fun.
Cricket Shropshire Coach Naomi Payne said: “At 9:30am on the Monday morning, 24 girls ranging in age from nine up to 13 descended on the Cricket Centre ready and raring to get stuck into a hefty, but exciting schedule of cricket.
“The girls carried out a mixture of skills sessions, focused mainly on ground fielding and catching, and a selection of games across different formats, including T20, 100 ball, indoor and 35-over cricket were piled into the three-day festival.
“An exciting inter-squad T20 game came down to the wire on Day One, with some excellent cricket on display.
“Unfortunately, the Day Two plans for County fixtures against neighbours Worcestershire and Herefordshire were abandoned due to overnight and morning rain, but that did not dampen the spirits!
“The girls were ushered into the Cricket Centre after a filling breakfast by coaches Naomi, Shannon, Amber, Ryan and Ben for a morning of cricket madness.
“The crash mats came out and several rounds of Crash Mat Cricket – with an emphasis on ball manipulation and gap picking – took place.
“Needless to say, the girls thoroughly enjoyed the morning – as did the coaches who delivered some expert tips and technical advice from the slip cordon.
“With what looked to be a break in the rain, an inter-squad 100 ball game began outside. But after 20 balls, the heavens opened, and it was back inside for a triangular indoor competition after a fun, team-building exercise.
“It was a great chance for the girls to put their skills to the test in a slightly different format, but one that proved beneficial to all with some high-quality batting, bowling and fielding.
“Day Three arrived, and after probably not as much sleep as required due to some competitive, after-hours Monopoly games, the girls were mixed up and thrown into a 35-over game against their new friends and teammates.
“Once again, the cricket on display was impressive and all got their chance to showcase their skills and talent.
“Away from the cricket, the girls spent time getting to know each other a little better off the field during meal times and evening activities, including a huge game of football, some rugby and what could only be described as ‘Croc Wars’.
“Everyone who attended had a great time and really got stuck into the swing of things during the three days. We wish them all the best for the rest of their summer season.”
