Spen win new friends

A JUNIOR team from Dutch professional football side NEC Nijmegen ended their tour of England by learning to play cricket in Mirfield.

The Dutch team had begun their tour with trip to Old Trafford and played in a triangular tournament against Manchester City and Houghend United.

They were beaten 3-2 by Man City but beat Houghend United 4-1.

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They also travelled to London where they were given a VIP tour of the Emirates Stadium, before playing an Arsenal junior team and beat them 5-1.

Then it was back up north again to Castle Hall Academy in Mirfield, where PE staff and students taught the Dutch boys how to play cricket.

The boys played their final game of the tour against Spen Valley Schools FA Under-13 team on the 3G pitch at St John Fisher School.

The Spen Valley team proved too strong and ran out 8-2 winners.

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At the end of the game Brad Duxbury, the Spen Valley captain, was presented with the Friendship Trophy, which is competed for between the two teams.

Bernie Preece, Spen Valley chairman, emphasised that these tours were about friendships through sport rather than the result.

After the game a reception was held for the Dutch boys and their families at Liversedge Cricket Club.

Arrangements are already underway for a return tour next year.

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