IT was sunshine all the way for local primary schoolchildren lucky enough to find themselves at Selkirk Cricket Club’s picturesque Philiphaugh ground last Friday, where they took part in a special Cricket Festival being staged as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“Things really couldn’t have gone any better,” said event organiser Neil Gentleman, chair of Selkirk Cricket Club. “For many children this was their first taste of the sport, and I think they all really enjoyed the experience.”
“The club is extremely grateful to the Rotary Club of Selkirk for generously sponsoring the players’ t-shirts, while our thanks also go to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fund for assisting with the cost of providing everyone with a packed lunch.”
On hand to help with the smooth running of the day was Cricket Scotland’s regional development officer for the east, Katie McGill (and current Scottish international player) . “This kind of event is a great way to introduce youngsters to the sport, and the players clearly had a fun time.”
Another key figure at the event was Live Borders’ active schools co-ordinator, Karen Cornwall, who had been responsible for ensuring all the local schools had the chance to enter teams. “Things have gone really well,” said Karen, “and hopefully this will be the forerunner for similar events in the future.”
Other volunteers for the day included club vice captain Kenny Paterson and first team players Adam Murphy, Harry Murphy and Ellie Wilkie. Thanks also to junior coach Cara Paterson and Matilda Gentleman for their help on the day, not least of all with distributing lunches to the hungry participants!
