By John Baron
Budding Sir Leonard Huttons are hoping to take after the Pudsey cricket legend and hit the opposition for six at the Yorkshire School Cricket Finals in July.
Year six pupils at Southroyd Primary School have batted their way past other West Leeds schools in the first round of matches held at Pudsey St Lawrence’s Tofts Road ground. They then held off challenging opposition in the West Yorkshire round at Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club.
Southroyd pupils Chester, Shey, Elijah, Charlie, Tom, Isla, Faith and Lucy are now looking forward to the Yorkshire finals in July – and put the secret of their success down to great teamwork and sticking together.
Team captain, Chester, said: “It is quite fun as we get to decide the batting and bowling orders. We’re excited and nervous but happy we have done so well so far. We have all become good friends.”
Faith added: “It is different to other sports. Some people get really competitive and angry, but we have fun together and it’s not always just about winning.”
Other team members spoke about teamwork and ‘being together’.
Deputy headteacher David Manton said: “What’s impressed me is how they stick together as a team. They have a really good bond, and have a team huddle before the match. I’m very proud of them.”
Four of the side play for Pudsey St Lawrence, but for many of the others, this is their first time playing cricket together.
