MORE than 200 year 7 and 8 girls in Okehampton College joined thousands of state school pupils around the country in celebrating Brit Insurance National Cricket Day.

 On Thursday, June 23 2011, pupils at Okehampton College held a morning of cricket competition, with 200 girls playing 14 matches.

The aim of the day was to use cricket as a stimulus and to raise greater awareness of 'Chance to Shine' supported by Brit Insurance — the Cricket Foundation's campaign to regenerate competitive cricket in a third of state schools by 2015.

Joining the youngsters on National Cricket Day was Lewdown CC coach, Brenden Worth, who has been working with teachers for the past 2 months in introducing cricket to the girls. Curriculum, after school, club sessions and competitions have been enjoyed.

Brenden said: Lewdown CC is delighted to be involved in Brit Insurance National Cricket Day. Playing cricket can help to build a child's confidence and to teach them how to work in a team.

'Skills learned on the cricket pitch can also be transferred to the classroom.

'The Cricket Foundation believes that team sports — and cricket in particular — can help young people to develop important life skills like learning how to win, to lose and to cope with setbacks.'

Chance to Shine Ambassador and England player 'Caroline Atkins' has also recently coached at Okehampton College.

The aim is to enthuse girls to take up cricket in a Club such as Lewdown where there is a strong girls section. Girls like to train together and play against other 'girl only' teams.