SOMERSET Cricket Foundation’s newly formed Walking Cricket Indoor League concluded it’s inaugural competition at the Indoor Centre at the CACG on Friday 2nd February. 

There were four hubs involved: Taunton, Yeovil, Highbridge and Weston Super Mare. In simple terms the format is Eight a side – four pairs batting for four overs each in the 16 overs games per innings. Each team start with 200 runs on board and five runs is deducted for the loss of a wicket. Runs/extras scored accordingly are added to the final total.

In the final round matches Yeovil scored 361 for five to beat Weston super Mare who scored 350 for five, while Highbridge posted 342 for one to beat Taunton who replied with 309 for six.

These results meant that Highbridge  won the League competition and duly crowned champions with Taunton as runners.

 David Jackson (Taunton Skipper) said “Congratulations to the Highbridge hub on your win today.  While it's always disappointing to lose, the better team won on the day and everyone had a great morning. Great to see the other hubs as well in the first game which shows what a thriving community we have in Walking Cricket . Many thanks once again to everyone involved in the organisation of these days, without who we couldn't take part.”

Mark Berry (Highbridge Skipper) said: “Thanks to everyone involved in the League set up and for all the teams taking part, it's great how cricket can bring us all together. All of the Highbridge Hub have had great time playing in the 3 games and look forward to a bigger and better tournament next time.”

Mustafa Shaikh (Community Activation Officer) made a presentation on behalf of the SCF afterwards.

SCF would like to thanks Alan Weaden (Official scorer) and Alan Ranger (Main umpire) and for their general support in helping organise the event.

SCF would like to their express their gratitude to the Competition sponsors  Mr George from Home Science International Food (East Reach) – for the trophy and medals and to Mr Hossain from Rajpoot Restaurant (Corporation Street) – for sponsoring each of the round of matches re match balls and refreshments.

SCF were also grateful for a visit from Somerset Head Coach Jason Kerr observing the action from the gallery.

SCF would also thank the fantastic team of volunteers across each hub that are driving forward this wonderful initiative across the county – walking cricket is more than cricket! We have hubs at Taunton, Weston Super Mare, Highbridge, Yeovil, Clevedon, Minehead and Wellington.

SCF are exploring other venues around county including encouraging cricket clubs to set up walking cricket hubs (outdoors) and are due to be run a special taster/training session for Women only at the Indoor Centre in March.

Anyone interested in walking cricket please visit the SCF website: Walking Cricket - Somerset Cricket Foundation and contact in the first instance.

You can contact Mustafa Shaikh – Community Activation Officer at the SCF – mustafashaikh@somersetcricketfoundation.org