On the last weekend of August the “Southwark Storm” StreetChance team, based at Downside Fisher Youth Centre in Bermondsey, went on the first-ever StreetChance cricket tour.
Recognising the hard work and enthusiasm of the team throughout the year coach Adam Hall arranged the trip down to Sussex.
The tour included a day’s coaching at Arundel Castle Foundation ground, an overnight stay at a private school, a Twenty20 match at Pagham CC and a barbecue in front of the big screen showing the England v Australia international.
On the first day of the tour the inner-city lads received expert advice and tips from newly appointed MCC President John Barclay. The cricket master-class even included a go on the bowling machine – another first for most of the youngsters.
One of the Southwark team members, Danny Elliott, 14, said: “This is great! I have never used a bowling machine before and I really love the setting with the countryside. It’s not like my estate!”
The next day consisted of the Twenty20 match between Southwark Storm and Pagham CC, a club based in Bognor Regis. Pagham CC won the toss and batted first scoring 132 off their 20 overs. Southwark were tight in the field, in particular Connor Hogan, and all-rounder Charlie Jerrom also impressed with his two wickets.
Southwark came out strong with Jerrom again making his presence felt by knocking a quick-fire 46 runs. Ram Prasad contributed 32 runs with some strong hitting. In the end Southwark were 10 runs short and just missed out from what would have been a memorable win; though the loss didn’t detract from what had been a hugely successful tour.
Jaffer Baloch said: “This tour has been amazing. I have never been on one before and all the boys love the competitions. We want to thank our coach Adam and StreetChance for setting this up for us because who knows what some of us would be doing if we were not so dedicated to our cricket now?”
Adam added: “It was a great match and the lads gave it their all and will learn a massive amount from this whole experience. We would like to thank John Barclay and Ryan Denyer for making this possible and hope this can become an annual event!”
Southwark Storm practice at Downside Fisher Youth Club