Words of wisdom from smart Alec

Alec Stewart with pupilWilliam Wilson.

PUPILS from Saddleworth School received tips from the very top at Headingley Cricket Ground.

Former England captain Alec Stewart joined the group of 15 starry-eyed youngsters, made up of Years Sevens through to Year 10s, for a batting and bowling session at the indoor net facility.

It was the highlight for the Saddleworth contingent, who were selected to attend a “Day at Yorkshire Cricket Club”.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Stewart (49), the most capped England cricketer of all time having appeared in 133 Tests until his retirement in 2003, used his wealth of experience to advise the youngsters on how to improve different aspects of their game.

Saddleworth also played two indoor friendly matches against West Craven School near Barnoldswick.

The honours were shared, with a win for Saddleworth at under-13s level and a defeat at under-15s.

Saddleworth Year Seven pupil Matthew Barlow was presented with a signed Yorkshire CCC shirt as the player to have displayed the best technical ability on the day.

Nobody went home empty-handed as Stewart dished out signed mini bats as a memento of the occasion.

The budding cricketers were also treated to a tour of the ground and museum, which included a question and answer session in the Hawke Suite overlooking the famous stadium, and lunch.

The trip was made possible by grants from a number of organisations, including £75 from the Saddleworth White Rose Society, £125 from Yorkshire Cricket website the ‘Corridor of Uncertainty’ and £50 from the schools involved.

Coaching was provided by Yorkshire Cricket as part of an initiative to see historically Yorkshire-based sides including Saddleworth, Greenfield and Uppermill, involved in the county’s set-up again.