Boys in a spin as cricket bowls the girls over

SCHOOLCHILDREN have been bowled over by a new cricket venture that pits boys against girls.

Mixed matches at Barnard Castle School and Preparatory School are creating healthy competition as popularity soars among the girls.

The initiative has kicked off indoors during the winter before students discover the pleasure of leather on willow on a grass wicket.

Prep school pupil Bea Dolby, 11, of Barnard Castle, said: “I started playing because my brother does and really enjoy it, especially batting. It’s good fun playing against the boys and we are learning a lot from each other. It does become competitive because we always enjoy beating the boys.”

Cricket is part of a new drive to increase the profile of sport at school driven by newly appointed head of PE and games Rachael Masterman.

Students of all ages and abilities are encouraged to try a range of sports including Australian rules football, rugby, badminton, athletics, hockey, swimming, rounders and tennis.

“The most important thing is that they enjoy themselves so they are more likely to continue being involved in sport all through their lives,” she said.

“The benefits are well proven both physically, mentally and in stimulating academic achievement. Health and wellbeing are boosted, as is self-esteem, it encourages team work and develops good communications.

“It’s great to see the boys and girls competing at cricket which is now establishing itself as a game for men and women.”