Howzat!

CRICKET is thriving again at Coleraine Inst.

The sport had taken a back seat in recent years. But with the appointment of a new Head of Cricket, and with several talented young players coming through the age groups, the future of the sport looks to be in safe hands.

The introduction of Richard Boyd as Head of Cricket, who is a ECB Level 2 coach and has experience coaching at under age Interprovincial level in Ireland and at County level in England, alongside the appointment of Mr Gaston strengthened the coaching team at the school of Mr Stewart, Mr Knox, Mr Palmer and Mr McGregor.

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Mr Boyd is delighted with the progress being made within the school with several players breaking in to the representative squads.

And he pointed to the link between the school and Coleraine Cricket Club as one of the key factors in the recent success.

“The experience these guys are getting at club level is invaluable because they are playing against adults for a start,” said Mr Boyd.

“Not only are they learning the etiquette of the game but they are also honing their skills in terms of how to build an innings.

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“At school the other players are looking up to these guys, whereas at club level they are looking up to the senior players and learning from them. And they are bringing that knowledge back to school.

“Last season proved to be a successful season for cricket at the school with participation levels ever increasing across the board, a number of dedicated coaching staff available on a regular basis and the introduction of new training and playing equipment throughout the season.

“Winter nets will commence in December and with more work on and off the field and continued investment from the school in partnership with the Coleraine Cricket club, hopefully the game of cricket will continue to grow and flourish at the school for many years to come!”

With talent like Scott Campbell, Rishi Chopra, Matthew Smyth and Scott Torrens coming through that optimism is well founded.

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Scott (17) was a key member of the North West Under-17’s side who won their interprovincial title after wins against Leinster and the NCU.

He then went on to represent Ireland Under-17’s and after scoring 133 runs in three innings including two not out performances he was named player of the tournament.

This success led to a call up to the Ireland Under-19 squad who went on tour to Oxford. These individual honours are outstanding achievements from a young and talented cricketer who constantly shows a willingness to take advice and improve as a player.

Scott demonstrates maturity beyond his years and is one player to watch for the future at schools level and beyond.

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Scott hopes the recent success of England will help encourage more players to take up the sport.

“It was the Ashes win of 2005 that first got me interested in cricket,” he said. “Hopefully the recent success will encourage more people to come and play the sport.

“For myself I’m actively looking at pursuing a career in the game. People would say the Under-19’s is a step below county/Irish senior squad.

“So my big aim would be to get a county contract. Test cricket would be the ultimate but I’d just love to be involved in the professional side of the game.

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“All the coaching we are getting at club level and school level has helped us push on. It has really helped with more focus in school.”

Scott’s success has certainly inspired others with several young cricketers following in his footsteps.

Both Scott Torrens (Year 8) and Matthew Smyth (Year 10) represented the school at Interprovincial level.

And Rishi Chopra (Year 11) captained the Northern Ireland Under 14 team who had a convincing win against the South at Bready. Rishi also represented the North West in the Interprovincial series in Dublin and toured the North of England with the Ulster Schools Under 15 side.