YOUNGSTERS at three county schools have been bowled over by a series of cricket coaching sessions - with even heavy rain failing to stop play.

More than 100 children from Kingsland and Shobdon primary schools and Wigmore School were treated to expert sessions with Australian coach Nick Byron, of Luctonians Cricket Club.

Luctonians were able to offer coaching and develop links between the club and the schools thanks to a £1,400 grant from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust.

Nick, who led a Sun Valley rugby project earlier in the year, concentrated mainly on eight to 12-year-olds, improving technique, fitness, hand-eye co-ordination and sportsmanship.

“Despite the weather, we had a good participation rate with many of the youngsters signing up for after-school activities,” he said.

“We use a semi-hard ball and an introductory form of the game with kids as young as six. It allows them to enjoy playing without the game getting too difficult. When it rained we just went indoors.”