On Wednesday 14th August, the Wicketz Bristol programme took 10 of its participants to the new BOLA Batting Centre.
The BOLA Batting Centre is a new 3-lane net facility in Patchway, Bristol. It offers a professional quality practice facility, with top-of-the-range flooring, lighting and bowling machines.
For our participants, using the state-of-the-art bowling machines available at the centre provided the perfect introduction to hardball cricket. The machines allowed batters to start out at a slower pace and gradually increase as they gained confidence.
Wilf Brooke, Wicketz Development Officer, said:
As a group, there was very little experience of playing hardball cricket before today. For some, it was the first time they have put on pads or used a wooden bat. Coming here today has been great for building their confidence with what can be a very daunting step up. The kids loved having a go with the bowling machines. The tablet interface was straightforward for everyone to understand, and even allowed players to change the bowling animation.
After a quick break for lunch (and it really was quick!) everyone was back in their nets to carry on where they left off in the morning. Bowling machines were wheeled away to allow players to bowl ahead of an indoor game in the afternoon.
We split into two teams to contest a 12-over pairs game. The action was fast-paced, with some brilliant pieces of fielding and plenty of run outs. It was still all to play for going into the final ball of the game.
Sam Emmott, Wicketz Development Manager, said
It’s great to see players from across our Bristol hubs come together on days like today. To see them working together in their teams for the match was brilliant. A massive thank you to Jon Hook and BOLA Batting too who have been brilliant in helping to set up the day. We certainly look forward to doing it all over again.
What is Wicketz?
Wicketz is a community cricket programme funded by the Lord’s Taverners. It works with young people aged 8-16 in urban areas with limited access to cricket. In Bristol, we run free weekly sessions all year round across four locations: Southmead, Knowle, Hartcliffe and Patchway. If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, please get in touch with Sam Emmott, Wicketz Development Manager, on 07398 211 596 or via email at sam.emmott@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org.