Game's popularity leads to new post
TO COPE with the increased work load of junior cricket development, newly-qualified local coach Jonathan Orme has been given a six-month contract by the Guernsey Cricket Board after finishing his second year of a sports studies degree at Southampton University.
TO COPE with the increased work load of junior cricket development, newly-qualified local coach Jonathan Orme has been given a six-month contract by the Guernsey Cricket Board after finishing his second year of a sports studies degree at Southampton University. The Cricket Development Office has been inundated with calls following the Ashes victory over Australia and the recent series in India.
'Having Jonny to help with the development work has been a huge bonus', said GCB development manager, Jason Shambrook.
'It allows us to introduce many exciting new initiatives designed to keep the sport going forwards and upwards,' he added.
Part of Orme's role will see him working in schools to develop the link between school cricket and the opportunities available outside.
The addition of Orme will allow the Guernsey Cricket Board to visit every junior and secondary school throughout the summer.
'Assisting teachers with cricket sessions within the curriculum is vital in allowing everyone the chance not only to try cricket but to learn generic skills based on cricket such as throwing and catching,' said Shambrook. 'It's all about fun, enjoyment and opportunity.
'It's also great to see that so many schools have been proactive in setting up their own after school cricket clubs.'
The hugely successful Kwik-cricket tournaments at both Year 5 and 6 will run alongside an Inter-Cricket Tournament for Years 7 and 8.
'The tournaments are designed to bridge the gap between softball cricket and the traditional hardball version,' said Shambrook.
'Last year's tournament in Year 6 involved over 100 children and that can only be good for the development of the sport?.
Orme has also been given the job of promoting women and girls' cricket.
'We are running girls only cricket introduction sessions followed by soft-ball leagues starting on Thursday 18 May,' said the new man.
'These sessions will cater for girls of all abilities in school Years 5 through to 10. The sessions will be run in conjunction with the Sirens Women's Cricket Club and create a link into the adult game,' he said.
Another initiative that the GCB are keen to introduce to local school children originates from India as Shambrook explained.
'Most of the youngsters have no access to facilities and equipment so they make their own cricket balls using a tennis ball with tape wrapped around half of the ball. This makes the ball swing in the air and difficult to play.
'It's great for teaching players to play with a straight bat and for the bowlers to control the ball and you can invent your own rules whilst playing wherever you like as long as it's safe.
'The children at Forest Primary School are already playing during lunchtimes which is great as it keeps them occupied and provides meaningful practice.'
