New league will focus on enjoyment
A new league in west Norfolk is looking to prove that life begins again at 40 for club cricketers.
Six clubs – Bircham, Castle Rising, Dersingham, Fakenham, Grimston and Snettisham – are taking part in the West Norfolk O40 Social Cricket League, which aims to offer a simple, quick and easily accessible form of cricket to players aged over 40.
It is hoped players who are reluctant to commit to playing a full game at the weekend, or those who have given up playing due to other commitments, will be encouraged to take part.
Norfolk cricket development manager Kieron Tuck said: 'The NCB are very aware of the difficulties clubs face in retaining players as they get older and the game comes in to conflict with family and work pressures. By offering a shorter form of the game that can be easily accessed with minimal travelling, we hope that more players will continue playing cricket beyond 40, and that consequently club cricket continues to flourish.
'The games will be quick, fun and with the emphasis on social enjoyment with team-mates and opposition players alike.'
If the pilot league proves successful, it is hoped that similar leagues will be rolled out across Norfolk next year.
The league has also allowed Grimston to reform, after the club was forced to fold in 2011.
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Contact details for the clubs involved are as follows: Fakenham – Colin Brassett (Tel: 07712 248297, email: cbrassett@sky.com); Bircham – Dave Howell (Tel: 07831 856384, email: davehowell7@hotmail.com); Snettisham – Gary Forder (Tel: 01485 542423, email: dianeforder@btinternet.com); Grimston – Tim Tilbrook (Tel: 07552 994123, email tilbrook.assoc@tinyonline.co.uk; Castle Rising – Darren Clarke (Tel: 07436 119887, email: darren.clarke20@talktalk.net); Dersingham – James Havers (Tel: 07748 630051, email: havo_123@hotmail.co.uk)