JUNIOR CRICKET
RABY Castle Cricket Club has been named as the county’s top All Star’s centre, and its organiser as Coach of the Year.
The announcement was made by former England cricketer Paul Collingwood during the Durham Cricket Grassroots Awards late last month.
The awards ceremony was held at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside stadium with more than 220 people attending.
Despite the challenges of Covid lockdowns, the past two years has seen a record-breaking growth in grassroots cricket.
Award organisers said Raby Castle CC stood out because with many of its All Stars have gone on to play in age group league teams.
They added: “From no juniors five years ago there are now more than 40 All Stars, more than ten Dynamos and 40 other junior members enabling Raby Castle to field U9, U11, U13 and a joint U15 team.
“Two of the U11 players are involved in Durham’s county squads and others are representing district teams. “
“Despite the ground’s remarkable location in front of the castle, Raby Castle CC is a very small club without the draw of a licensed clubhouse, yet the club enjoys, on occasions, a packed ground full of children and parents.
“Because of the junior section, the future of the club is looking increasingly bright. The dramatic success of the All Stars programme has kickstarted this turnaround.
“This is a remarkable achievement and has launched a new chapter in the club’ s long history.”
At the same ceremony All Stars organiser for Raby Castle CC Steve Caygill was named as Coach of the Year.
Teh All stars coach said: “My role in the development of the junior set up at RCCC and for running All Stars at the club was cited as instrumental in me getting the award.”
Mr Caygill efforts had earlier been recognised with an England and Wales Cricket Board coaching award in August
