RUNCORN Jet's pitcher, Adam Jones, returned home on Sunday to a round of applause in Luton Airport, with the squad finishing second over the whole week.

The week started with an early morning flight and then a three-hour coach ride to Oldenzaal in Holland.

The squad discovered that due to a mix up by the tournament organisers, team GB had been placed in an older group of 14-18 year olds, it would be a difficult week.

On Monday, they played Russia and Adam pitched three innings; with five runs getting scored off him. Impressive as they were, playing against a Russian team of 14-16-year-olds, the final score was GB 6 Russia 11.

Adam's next game was on Thursday against Moldavia, a team of 16-18-year-olds and the team played well and scored five runs, the only team to score any past this team.

Final score GB 5 Moldavia 19.

On Friday another mix up resulted in GB playing Moldavia again.

Final score GB 0 Moldavia 19.

Saturday saw the 16-man squad playing for second place in the competition.

They did want to play their strongest team and Adam was overjoyed when his name was called fifth especially as the game would be against Holland.

The game started well for GB with runs being scored freely and excellent fielding, Adam having plenty of action as short stop again.

The team left the field singing and cheering at the end of the final innings, knowing they had taken second place in a group of older players.

The team GB coach's have already stated that they expect at least half of the squad to take part in the European cadet championships that are held in the Czech Republic next year.

Adam next trains with the Great Britain squad in October at the national training ground at Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.

He has thanked Halton Council sport's development, Rocksavage Power Company and Brook Chapel for their sponsorship, family and friends for their support and making it possible for him to take part.

If any local companies would be interested in sponsoring Adam for future Great Britain activity please contact 01928 713886.

Runcorn Jet's are recruiting for next season, boys or girls aged seven to 11 can contact Howie on 01928 713886 or Mike, 11-13 on 01928 719125 for details. All coaches are police checked, as is a requirement by the British Baseball Federation. www.BaseballSoftballuk.com