Howzat! Batting masterclass at The Park

Budding young cricketers at The Park had the chance of some tips from a professional – when a Gloucestershire County Cricketer came to run a batting masterclass.

Will Tavare who is also Lord’s Taverners Ambassador came to a Tuesday evening Wicketz Bristol session for young people aged eight to 16.

And after putting them through their paces with a vigorous warm up he taught the same batting drill used by Gloucestershire County batters to hit the ball into gaps, followed by a game situation.

 

Wicketz Development Officer Crispin Shingler said: “…Will was brilliant after the session answering questions, signing autographs and posing for photographs with the participants, which all the children relished.  The impact of having a Gloucestershire County Player coaching at the Wicketz hubs was huge, especially with one participant answering a question with, ‘We were better because we wanted to impress Will’.”

Will said: “I briefly met the Wicketz programme kids at the county ground last year and to get involved again was brilliant!

“The boys and girls all got stuck in and it was great to see some new faces, some picking up the bat for the first time not that you would have known it! All the children put a massive smile on my face so hopefully I did the same for them. Can’t wait to see them again!”

Nine-year-old Evie Williams said of the experience: “I liked the batting masterclass.  Will was really nice and very cool and I learnt where to put my feet when batting different shots.”

Wicketz Bristol Knowle offers free  sessions for girls and boys aged eight-16 at The Park on Tuesdays from 4.30-6pm. For more information, contact Crispin Shingler on 07398 211 596 or email crispin.shingler@glosccc.co.uk