Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 17 April 2008

CRICKETERS from Cockermouth School had an ‘unbelievable experience’ when they went to India to test their skills.

The boys, aged 14 to 17, with school assistant head Peter French and head of PE Chris Hayes, jetted out to play against schools in Calcutta, Kalimpong and Darjeeling during the week-long tour.

Mr French said that the boys had their eyes opened on the trip.

“Taking 18 kids into India is not your standard school trip.

“The boys experienced cricket in a culturally different climate to us. India is just passionate about cricket, you had cricket matches been played on any patch of ground.

“The boys saw an unbelievable side to the cricket.

“In India itself, the poverty is just straight in your face. There are shacks by the road side - it is real poverty,” he added.

The boys played cricket in temperatures of 37 degrees centigrade.

One of the schools that they played cricket with in Calcutta was called Future Hope which is a school and home for street children.

Mr French said: “These are boys and girls who have nothing. I think it really bowled our boys over.”

The boys also played a school in Kalimpong, which Mr French said is rural India.

“You didn’t see any western faces but ours, it was a bit of an eye opener.

“It was an incredible experience. I can’t believe we did it.

“I keep pinching myself. Nobody could prepare you for the experience, it is not like going into a European capital and city.

“Calcutta is just a completely different culture and feel. The boys really enjoyed it, they more importantly got their eyes opened.”

Pupil James Evans went on the trip. He said: “This was a very enjoyable and unforgettably great experience.

“It was interesting to see a different culture and contrast it with our own country.”

Pupil Jahanger Zaheen said: “The trip was a great success. It was better than anybody expected and the experience of playing cricket in India was fantastic. The heat and humidity was unbelievable.”

The team went in their new cricket kit, which was specially designed for the tour.

They raised funds for the gear through various events, including bag packing at the town’s Sainsbury’s store and were also supported by the Derek Thompson Trust Fund, construction firm Thomas Armstrong’s of Flimby and Cockermouth Cricket Club.

As a result of the trip, the school is looking to make further links with Future Hope School in Calcutta.