CLEDFORD Juniors are celebrating their victory in the finals of the Cheshire Youth Cricket Partnership primary schools tournament.

The Middlewich youngsters saw off dozens of schools from Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester to win the prestigious prize.

The high standard of cricket they displayed was largely thanks to the coaching they have all received under the partnership programme.

This opportunity is part of a unique scheme to give almost 8,000 youngsters in the region, aged up to 17, the chance to receive professional cricket coaching.

Sponsored by the Greenalls Group plc, Middlewich-based North and Mid Cheshire TEC and Sportsmatch, the government organisation that provides private sports funding, the Cheshire Youth Cricket Partnership is designed to harness and develop cricket talent at school level.

Richard Newton, county development officer of the England Cricket Board, which administers the scheme, said: "It's vital that sporting talent is nurtured from the earliest possible age.

"Through coaching and competition the partnership is working hard to raise the level of school cricket in Cheshire and identify talented players. All credit to the children who reached the primary schools tournament."

The Cledford Junior School pupils are pictured, left, celebrating their county triumph with Richard Newton, English Cricket Board development officer (right) and teacher Keith Jones. Photo supplied.

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