New youth cricket league launched
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A NEW youth cricket league designed to provide a pathway for young players from Kwik Cricket to senior cricket has been launched.
The Gordon Baxter Youth League will see five teams compete against each other this season home and away.
Youngsters from Nairn, Forres, Huntly, Gordonstoun and a Moray Cricket Association combined team will take part in the inaugural league. The latter will have members from the Fochabers, Buckie, Keith and Elgin clubs.
The launch took place last Friday at the idyllic setting of the Fochabers Cricket Club, which was co-founded by Mr Baxter and others.
“The whole idea is to have more youngsters playing the game,” he said.
His own love of the game was nurtured during lunch times spent with his Uncle George, the local grocer and a renowned cricketer.
“I would like to see more cricket played in the schools. It is a great character builder and for building team spirit and togetherness.”
The idea of a youth league came from Huntly coach Neil Nicol after his own side played North of Scotland Cricket Association teams in friendly matches.
“There is a lot of talent out there,” he said, “it is just a question of identifying it.”
The under-13 teams will play 11-a-side, 20 over games with a hard ball.
