Cricket in the Sun at EF Sportability

We turned to the sport of cricket last Saturday at Epping Forest Sportability Club. With the sun out it was lovely to have the whole session out on the playground as our members honed their catching, bowling and batting skills in their bid to become the next Ashes winners!
After a warm up session led by Ray, Ciara and Ollie - which had to include some games of What's the Time Mr Wolf? of course - it was soon in to session proper where we started with some catching practice. Initially, the group split in to pairs to throw and catch to each other with the leaders getting involved and helping the younger members to get their hands in the correct position when catching. From their Ray led a game of Champion where the group line up and Ray throws to members randomly. If you catch a ball thrown at you then you move up the line, if you dont manage to catch it you move back down the line. The person at the head of the line at the end of the game is the winner.

Following a quick break for a drink we then moved on to bowling.  The coaches set up several wickets around the playground and then split the kids in to groups,. This meant that they each got a good practice at bowling at the wickets. It looks easy on the telly but obviously takes a mix of speed, control and aim to be able to hit the wicket and be good enough for a batsmen to be able to hit it. i.e. no daisy cutters or balls at head height!!!​

Next up was some batting practice. As you can see in the photos below it included some of the members using their bowling skills they had practiced to bowl to their friends.​

The kids had earned a break by this time so they stopped for snacks, drink and a chat. When they resumed the smaller ones who wanted to went down to the ball pool with Ciara supervising (well joining in the fun really). The rest used all the skills they had learned and practiced throughout the session in a short game.

Our Star this week was Charlotte pictured here with coach Alan and proud mum Kate

It was a great session all around and lovely to be outside enjoying the great weather. At the end of the session Alan conferred with his coaching staff and they awarded the Star of the Week award to Charlotte. So very well done  Charlotte and we loved the hat!
Join Alan and the team again this Saturday for more fun in the sun!

I will be away for the next two Saturday's so there will be no posts or photos for a few weeks but the sessions will carry on as normal with Alan, Ray and Ollie leading the activities. Thanks to all the parents and carers who volunteered to cover the front desk while I am away - very much appreciated. 

Do not forget as well that due to the Oak View School Summer Music Festival there will be no club on July 14th  but please do attend the festival and support the school if you can.

​See you all in a few weeks!

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