LINCOLNSHIRE INVITED TO HOST NORWEGIAN CRICKET VISIT

Lincolnshire is to host a first visit to England by the Norwegian Under 19 cricket team.

Arriving here in mid-July, Norway U19s will play Lincolnshire U16s in two Twenty/20 matches – morning and afternoon – on July 15 at Nettleham CC.

Owmby is the venue for their match the following day where they play a full 100 over game against the Lincs U16s.

On Thursday 17 at Sleaford, the Norwegians play a representative XI made up of young players from the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League and the tour ends at Nettleham on Friday 18 with a game against a Mark Fell Academy XI.

Norway is not widely regarded as a cricketing nation, but the game has been played in this northern outpost since the 1960s and in June 2000, Norway gained entry to the ICC and the EEC as an Affiliate Member.

In May 2007, cricket was confirmed as a recognised sport in Norway and the Norwegian Cricket Federation received full backing from the Norwegian Sports Council and Government departments.

Under 15s and Under 19s have their own leagues and cricket is gradually being added to the curriculum in many schools.

Games at all Lincolnshire venues will start at 11am and organiser Robyn Wilkinson would like a show of support for the young Norwegians on their first tour.

“This is a bit of a coup for Lincolnshire to be selected for this tour,” he said. “The county has hosted quite a few international junior teams in the past and I know we will make it an enjoyable time for these lads.”

Further details from Robyn Wilkinson on 01724 853750 or 07905 886437