Howzat for a freebie?

8:09am Friday 5th January 2007

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schools and cricket clubs are being invited to bid for a free bag of equipment worth £500 in an effort to get more young people playing cricket.

The Hampshire Cricket North and Borders Supporters' Association has been raising money for a number of years to buy the bags which contain bats, balls, pads and helmets.

It's the associations' aim to kit out teams of under-16s in schools and clubs. All hopeful cricket teams have to do is write to the association to express an interest.

The supporters hope to donate at least three bags each year, depending on how much money they can raise, with them choosing the lucky recipients after reading the letters to decide who is most deserving.

They will be selecting some of the hopefuls at their next meeting on Monday but applications will still be accepted for future cricket bag give-aways.

The association hopes to give some of the bags to schools and clubs in Andover.

Committee member Barrie Johnson is adamant that the country needs fresh, young cricketers. "We must do something to encourage young cricketers.

"You only need to look at what has happened in the recent big cricket tournament to know we need young talent. We don't have anyone in this country to match the bowling of Shane Warne.

"Our plan is to get more young people interested in playing cricket. It's just as important as other sports, like football," he said.

If any school or club is interested in bidding for one of the bags call Barrie Johnson as soon as possible on 01264 337479 for more information.