Juniors enjoy playing under Chelmsford lights

Junior cricket came to the fore at The Ford County Ground on September 1 when the Essex County Cricket Board’s ‘Mini-Matchplay’ took place.

Thirty-two teams of U11 cricketers, boys and girls, were welcomed from around the county.

Despite some teams being delayed due to traffic problems on the outskirts of Chelmsford, play got underway on time at 6pm.

Each team played three games within their group and there were eight matches being played at any one time. The matches were six-a-side but most clubs brought many more players and gave them the opportunity to play at least one game.

There was huge support for the players with a conservative estimate of 1000 spectators giving the event the feel of a Twenty20 Cup match.

When the lights really started to shine the orange balls could be seen flying to all parts of The Ford County Ground as the players got into the spirit of things. Group co-ordinators kept things moving along and the games were finished at about 9pm, at which point the presentations were made.

Sheila Downing and Dave Wilson represented the Essex Boundary Club, who sponsor the event, and former Essex captain Brian Taylor was also present to assist in the presentation ceremony. All the teams received a commemorative pennant and every player received a match medal.

The evening was a great success and the players had a wonderful experience of playing under lights at the home of Essex County Cricket Club and are sure to remember the evening for many years to come.