SUFFOLK's Under-11 boys' cricket side faired well in the annual Minor Counties Festival at Royal Hospital School last week.

Stuart Watson

SUFFOLK's Under-11 boys' cricket side faired well in the annual Minor Counties Festival at Royal Hospital School last week.

This year, thanks to two new wickets at RHS, the festival was extended from six counties to ten. Each team played three matches over three days of glorious sunshine.

Suffolk won two of their matches, beating Pembrokeshire and Cleveland, and lost to Northumberland. Norfolk were the only side to win all three of their games.

Tournament organiser Don Topley said: “For many of the children this was their first ever cricket tour and I am sure it will linger long in their memories.

“The whole festival was played in great spirit and determination despite the hot weather making it three hard days for them.

“The coaches of the various counties have all commented how quickly these festivals allow the young players to evolve as players.

“Not only do these festivals provide cricketing experience, but they also allows the boys to experience living and training together away from home in a tour environment.

“The Royal Hospital School is proud to host this festival. It is clear to me that these few days have a big impact on Holbrook's community as many parents travel from all over the country to attend. There are probably an additional 400 people in all of the hotels and houses in the local vicinity during the event.”

Counties to be involved in this year's festival included: Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cleveland, Northumberland, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Pembrokeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

This week the Royal Hospital School will play host to the annual Minor Counties Under-12 Tournament. For pictures and a report on this event please see next week's GrassRoots.