On Tuesday 30th July, the Wicketz Bristol programme played its first ever match of hardball cricket.
Frenchay Cricket Club were hosts as Bristol took on a Cardiff side made up of Wicketz and Chance to Shine Street players. 14 players from across our hub sessions in Southmead, Knowle and Hartcliffe came together for the day to represent the Wicketz Bristol team. For most in the team, it was their first experience of hard ball cricket.
On a gorgeous summers day, Cardiff won the toss and opted to bat first. On a lightning fast outfield, the openers got off to a strong start. The partnership was eventually broken with the score on 38. Cardiff continued with their quick scoring, but some excellent pieces of fielding meant wickets were taken at regular intervals. Cardiff would post 162-7 from their 30 overs.
Frenchay CC were cracking hosts for the day, and sorted all the players out with a classic cricket tea during the interval.
Bristol’s innings got off to a shaky start, falling to 33-4 as the Cardiff bowlers bowled with good pace and accuracy. The middle order stood tall, however, for Bristol as it saw them reach 130-6. A nailbiting finish was in store, and Cardiff’s opening bowlers were back into the attack. Wickets tumbled, and there were still 4 runs required with our last pair batting. Single. Dot. Two. The scores were level. From the following ball, a pitch invasion as Bristol nudged the winning run round the corner to seal a win in their first ever hard ball match. High fives all round, and a moment that they will all cherish.
Wilf Brooke, Wicketz Development Officer for Bristol, said:
It has been a brilliant day at Frenchay CC. We have had 25 players today across the two teams all leaving with smiles on their faces. Seeing players from our hub sessions across Bristol come together as a team and show off their skills is amazing. Over the winter, we held our first ever indoor league alongside ACE, Chance to Shine Street and Super 1s. This gave some of our participants experience of playing competitive cricket using an indoor ball. It’s been great to continue that journey with our first game of hardball cricket now. The players have taken everything in their stride and their skills have transitioned seamlessly. We are already looking to arrange a rematch!
What is Wicketz?
Wicketz is a national programme funded by the Lord’s Taverners. It supports young people aged 8-16 from non-traditional cricketing backgrounds. In Bristol, we operate across four different locations (Southmead, Hartcliffe, Knowle and Patchway), providing free cricket sessions in areas where there is limited cricket provision.
To find out more about the Bristol programme, please get in touch with Wilf Brooke, Wicketz Development Officer, on 07958 208 640 or via email at wilf.brooke@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org.