O'Rourke guides Morpeth youngsters

Brian O'Rourke passes on a few tips during last week's coaching session

Former Ireland Under-19 coach Brian O’Rourke completed a cricket masterclass for junior cricketers as part of the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Quadrangle Championship at Longhirst Hall.

O'Rourke was returning to the North East for the fifth straight year with his Leinster Cricket Union team. Joined by Irish Women’s Under-21 coach Nigel Pyne, Ireland international wicketkeeper Finton McAllistair and three other Leinster players, they provided local Morpeth Under-13s cricketers with an insight into the standards required at the highest level.

The two-hour session was directed at improving team skills, in particular fielding, before the coaches focused on some individual work.

It is hoped that Leinster will return next year to challenge again for the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Quadrangle Championship and make the masterclasses a traditional part of their Thursday tour programme.