SPORT: Young Warriors show their worth
“Cricket, and sport in general, teaches children team work, responsibility and improves their concentration at school.”
Setting his sights on the ball, Quintin Griffiths is determined to ensure Newcastle’s youth reaches its full potential on the cricket pitch.
“I started the Young Warriors team when I noticed there was not enough cricket development for school children. My son plays cricket in school and while he recently got his Natal colours, his school team played four times last year. There were other children who played even fewer fixtures.”
The lack of fixtures reflected the need for improvement when his son played in a cricket match in Durban against other youngsters who played 30 matches a season, Quintin knew something needed to be done.
Quintin excelled in indoor cricket in his youth, and uses his knowledge of the sport to hone his team’s skills. The team practises every week at Ferrum High’s sports grounds and participates in the Newcastle Cricket District Association Spur Super Saturday league.
“The team was approved to participate in this year’s cricket fixtures, and has improved a lot since starting.”
As the team sports three 12-year-olds, two 13-year-olds and other teens slightly older, it has much to brag about.
“We have won one game, drew one and lost four, but we are getting better.”
Quintin said there were life lessons to be taught on the cricket pitch.
“Cricket, and sport in general, teaches children team work, responsibility and improves their concentration at school.”
What made Young Warriors special, was the special connection among the players.
“A number of fathers have joined the team to play, so it is a great way for us to spend time with our sons,” Quintin concluded.
