Norfolk's under-13 cricket team have returned from their trip to South Africa having learned some important lessons about their sport.
The youngsters, sponsored by Almary Green and Eastern Voice and Data, toured Cape Town to play four matches against local sides and experience the culture of the southern hemisphere country.
Team manager and former Norfolk captain, Paul Newman, said: 'It was absolutely fantastic, everybody who spoke to me said what a brilliant place it was.'
A 90-run victory in a 20-over match against a team from the Langa township got the tour off to a good start, Norfolk scoring 165-4, with Sam Grisewood top scoring with 25, before bowling out their opponents for 75.
Another T20 match ended in an exciting final-ball victory over Somerset Prep College, before defeats to tougher opponents in a 25-over match against Paarl Skool Gimnasium and a 30-over match against Wynberg Boys Junior School.
Newman added: 'It was an education for our boys to see how they play the game. The local lads were a lot more worldly wise, street wise and a lot tougher, so they learned a lot of valuable lessons out there.'
The team and parents were also able to visit the Newlands cricket stadium and rugby stadium, as well as visit the Baphumelele Children's Home based in Khayelitsha township to carry out coaching sessions and donate sport equipment, clothing and stationery, thanks to donations and support from Norfolk businesses.
The tour was supported by main kit sponsors Almary Green, training kit sponsors Eastern Voice & Data and Hadley Taylor, additional shirt sponsors Openfield & Nelson County, and a host of other local companies and organisations.
Related links
Norfolk Under-13s preparing for special tour of South Africa
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