2008 has been a very exciting year for cricket in the village with the formation of the Upton and Kexby Cricket Club Juniors.
The youngsters have got off to a flying start and there’s been a real buzz of enthusiasm both from the kids themselves and those involved with the club.

ECB registered and qualified coach Peter Bishop runs the juniors’ training with help from other club members. The sessions provide an introduction to the basics of the sport, help refine batting, bowling and fielding techniques and encourage sportsmanship with cricket etiquette.

Upton and Kexby CC now provide the only coaching facilities in the district for juniors at primary school level. We were also the only team from the Gainsborough area fielding an under 10’s kwik cricket side, in both the Lincoln Youth League and the annual Nettleham kwik cricket tournament.

Compared to most of the opposition, Upton and Kexby are a very small village team. Our juniors gave an excellent account of themselves, playing against top Lincolnshire teams including Cleethorpes, Lindum, Bracebridge Heath, Nettleham and Market Rasen. At the Nettleham tournament they fell at the league stage of the competition with close finishes in most of their games.

The season ended with the club’s annual barbecue at the Rose and Crown, which, despite the changeable weather, was an enjoyable day and raised over £600 for club funds. All junior members were given a free meal and the children who represented Upton and Kexby in the league or at the Nettleham tournament were presented with special caps by Mr Norman Brown. (Click here to see pictures.)

The Upton and Kexby Cricket Club committee would like to say well done to all the junior members and thank Peter Bishop for all his efforts coaching the youngsters.

2009 coaching sessions will begin in January at the village hall with the view to fielding teams at under 9 and under 10 level in the Lincoln Youth League and the Nettleham tournament in the summer.

Further details from Peter Bishop 01427 788302.