Kids get close look at Essex (From Thurrock Gazette)

County cricket opportunity for local youngsters

10:05am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Sport

CRICKET: Hundreds of school children got the chance to watch the county’s best cricketers in pre-season training. Essex County Cricket Club welcomed more than 450 youngsters to their County Ground base to watch the first-teamers in action and then got the chance to meet their heroes afterwards.

Essex bowler Tim Phillips said: “It was a different experience for us training with over 400 children watching and it was a good atmosphere for all and I hope they enjoyed their day.

“It is vital for children to start playing cricket at an early age, giving them a healthier lifestyle while also helping them improve in skills they will use as they get older.”

Derek Bowden will start his new role as Essex County Cricket Club chief executive on Tuesday, April 2.