LAUNCESTON College, part of the Athena Learning Trust, has launched a new cricket academy for students in Years 10 to 13 who play cricket outside of school.

Both girls and boys who represent local clubs and their county have signed up for the new venture which is going from strength to strength. Every week the group are getting together to develop their techniques and skills in batting, bowling and fielding, with technical analysis and feedback supporting their progression.

Throughout the year the school plans to welcome local cricketers, who have represented Cornwall and other counties, to come along and deliver specialist clinics so the students can hear and experience what it takes to play for their county at a senior level.

Former Menheniot-Looe, Callington and Werrington fast bowler Tom Dinnis, who plays for current Cornish champions Penzance, kicked off these sessions by delivering a seam bowling workshop to the academy. Seam bowling iswhere the ball is bowled to hit the wicket on its seam, causing the ball to bounce in a random direction.

The school have entered the Under 18 National T20 Cup and are due to play an Exeter school in the first round in early April. They are also looking at the prospect of organising a tour next autumn.

At Launceston College they offer a wide range of sports clubs, including football, basketball, netball, and rugby. Launceston students regularly participate in local and regional competitions and inter-school fixtures, including the annual Cornwall Schools’ Games.

Mr Matthew Thompson, Principal at Launceston College said: “I am delighted that our new Cricket Academy is off to a flying start and I want to say a big thank you to Werrington Cricket Club who have allowed us to use their coaching equipment.

“Our students are really benefiting from the specialist equipment, such as a bowling machine to improve their batting!”