A GROUP of budding cricketers are planning to succeed where our national team failed - and win abroad!

The four junior teams from BTR Cricket Club in Farington, Leyland, are jetting off to the West Indies after being invited to participate in Tobago's inter-school cricket tournament.

The youngsters, aged between nine and 15, were asked to take part after West Indian coach Clement Hercules spotted their potential while working in Lancashire last summer.

So, instead of packing away their whites at the end of last season, the 22 players moved off the pitch and into the cricket nets in preparation for their once-in-a-lifetime tour.

Clive Kallman, from BTR, said: "We worked with Clement last year while he was with Euxton Cricket Club, as he was very impressed with the standard of our cricket. "He invited us out to take part in this competition after he went back to Tobago to work with a women's team. We are very excited, and very proud as well."

In between practices, the youngsters are trying to collect enough money for their trip. They spent last Saturday packing bags at Asda in Clayton Green - dressed in their cricket whites.

Clive added: "They have already done a lot of things to raise money, including holding a Caribbean disco and a car boot sale, but we still need a bit more before they set off on February 21.

"As you can imagine, the kids are very excited about the trip and it's a big honour for us."

And if all goes well, the Tobago trip won't be their last visit abroad

Clive said: "We have also been asked to compete in Australia next year, which would be wonderful. It is such an excellent experience for the kids.

"We hope to bringing trophies back with us as well."

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