EVEN during this Covid-affected summer of cricket, Arreton Cricket Club’s under-11 team rose to the challenge to sweep aside every team before them to remain undefeated.

Growth in Arreton’s junior section has bared fruit with the performances of the WightAid-sponsored under-11 team, coached by Tony Blaize, in the Isle of Wight U11 League.

The team’s manager and Tony’s wife, Jodie, was delighted with the progress made and the team’s achievement — a huge turnaround on last year's results.

“The team showed amazing team spirit, which has gained compliments at every game played and has given the team the recognition they deserve,” said Jodie.

"This team has gone from only winning one game last season, to smashing every fixture this season.

"They are a great bunch of kids. They go out each week with smiles and laughter and have really bought cricket home to Arreton Cricket Club.

“The club followed strict Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the team could continue to use the grounds to train, play and bring the cricket community together, safely.

“Almost the whole team have been involved in the successful All Stars cricket programme and have progressed through the club.

“This means Arreton will be able to put forward an under-13s team next season, for the first time in the club’s history.”