Cricket Cricket schools take big Chance to Shine PUPILS in Blackpool schools are going crackers about cricket – even at Christmas. The under-13 girls of Beacon Hill and Collegiate were in action this week in a national £50m drive to boost the sport in the state school sector. Collegiate won the 10-a-side game in their hosts’ sports hall as part of the Chance To Shine initiative launched by the ECB’s Cricket Foundation. Chiefly through donations and sponsorship, Chance to Shine aims to raise £25m over the next 10 years and the government has promised to double the amount amassed. The resort’s two senior clubs, Blackpool and South Shore, are playing their part by each taking six schools under their wing. Getting Blackpool’s help are Collegiate, Baines, Boundary, Revoe, Waterloo and St Cuthbert’s. Supported by South Shore are Beacon Hill, St Nicholas, Marton, Hawes Side, Thames Road and St Bernadette’s. “The hope of Chance To Shine is to bring the game back to the schools and get more children involved competitively and in turn lead them into their local clubs,” said Dave Reddy, a former Blackpool CC chairman who is now Lancashire Cricket Board’s community coach in the town.” Chance To Shine was adopted in Blackpool last April with a minimum timescale of three years. Blackpool Borough Council too have thrown their weight behind the scheme. Beacon Hill PE teacher Gill Riley and Collegiate’s Samantha Gregson both play for Blackpool CC’s ladies team. Thornton under 11s Email us and tell us about your stories!