Youngsters bowled over by cricketing legend
Around 230 children from Vale of Glamorgan primary schools were
literally bowled over at their annual Kwik Cricket tournament.
Universally regarded as one of the world's best ever cricketers,
Sir Garfield Sobers popped in to the Penarth Athletic Club ground
tournament to meet some of the area's budding young cricketers and,
as well as offering advice to young batsmen, bowlers and fielders,
took time to sign autographs.
Considered by many as the most gifted all round cricketer of all
time, the Barbadian-born genius, also known as Gary Sobers, started
playing first-class cricket at just 16. A year later, he played his
first Test for the West Indies and enjoyed a 20-year international
career. He was named as one of Wisden's five cricketers of the
century in 2000.
The tournament, organised on behalf of the Cricket Board of
Wales by Pete Hardwick, assistant Dragon Sport officer in the Vale,
and sponsored by Asda, of Cardiff Bay, was won by Llansannor who
now represent the Vale in the Welsh finals at St Helen's, Swansea,
on July 3.
Also taking part were Albert, Evenlode, Fairfield, Victoria and
St Joseph's (Penarth), Gladstone, Palmerston, Romily, Sant Curig
and St. Helen’s (Barry), St Nicholas, Y
Bont Faen (Cowbridge), Wick, Llanfair, Llangan, Pendoylan, Rhws,
St Athan and St David’s (Colwinston).
The emphasis in Kwik Cricket is on both participation and
enjoyment, with adapted rules and equipment, ie, light bats.
All the children received participation certificates, and Pete
Hardwick said: “There was a real buzz, with players, parents,
teachers, volunteers and visitors really enjoying themselves. Who
knows, there may even be a Vale player who can emulate Sir
Garfield’s success in the future.”
To find out more about cricket or Dragon Sport opportunities,
telephone Pete Hardwick on (01446) 704681 or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment.
Caption: Wiiners of the Vale Kwik Cricket
tournament, Llanasannor are pictured with cricketing legend Sir
Garfield Sobers, Pete Hardwick, Dragon Sport Assistant in the Vale,
and Dragon Sport volunteer Lucy Whale.