West Lancs cricketers prepare for 24hr batting marathon

Feb 14 2013 by Jamie Bowman, Ormskirk Advertiser

BUDDING Alastair Cooks will be digging in for a long innings as a group of West Lancashire cricketers prepare for a 24 hour batting marathon.

St Bede’s Catholic High School in Ormskirk, will host the charity event hoping to raise £9,000 to be split between Save the Children and investment into developing cricket across the borough.

Almost 100 cricketers will take part in the challenge, with 96 one-to-one coaching slots available for players of any age and ability.

James Cutt, West Lancashire Cricket Development Coach at Lancashire Cricket Board, said: “We really want to encourage all ages to come down on the day.

“It’s a real opportunity to enhance your cricketing skills pre season whilst being part of something special.”

Two coaching packages are available to those wishing to take part with lots of additional benefits on top of the one hour coaching session, including tickets to a Lancashire County Cricket Club fixture during the summer, and an opportunity to meet Lancashire mascot ‘Lanky’.

Players will also be able to take home a DVD of their session.

James added: “I have heard of this being done before but usually it takes place outside.

“I’ll be there working the whole time as will lots of other coaches so it will be pretty intensive.

“It’s a great deal as a one hour coaching session at Old Trafford with the same coaches would cost so much more.”

The 24 hour ‘bat-a-thon’ will take place over the weekend of March 22-23, starting at 4pm on the Friday and finishing 4pm on Saturday.

James said: “The packages are split into peak and off peak with it effectively being cheaper to take part in the twilight hours which will just add to the novelty.

“We’re hoping that students from Edge Hill University will get involved and take up plenty of the early hours of the morning slots.

“They’ll just be getting in at that time so it should be fine!”

For more information go to www.lancashire.co.uk or get in touch with James Cutt, West Lancashire Cricket Development Coach, Lancashire Cricket Board via email at jcutt@lccc.co.uk or by phone on 07595 520536.