ONE of Warrington’s most promising young cricketers is back home after leading the England Under-17 team to four wins out of six matches in South Africa – and also bringing some joy to some of the country’s poorest children.
Rob Jones, aged 17, from Stockton Heath is a regular member of Knutsford-based Toft in the premier division of the Cheshire County League.
A student at Priestley College, Warrington, Rob was selected as captain of the England team for the tour of South Africa.
But in addition to playing cricket, he delivered supplies – paid for by fellow students at Priestley – to South African township youngsters.
He said: “What I Iearned was to never take anything for granted and what a fortunate position I am in.
“We met children who had to walk a couple of miles to school every day, but all of them seemed so happy and had big smiles on their faces when we turned up.”
It was an eye-opener for Rob, formerly a pupil at Bridgewater High School, who was amazed to see the children take a nap during the day – on the bare stone of the schoolroom floor.
“They are only 10 hours away on a plane, but their lives are completely different to ours,” he said.
“When they saw us they wanted our autographs because they thought we were famous, but I am just a normal kid who is at college.”
On the cricket field, Rob led the England side to four victories.
He said: “The South Africans played tough, competitive cricket so it was good for me to learn about how to manage my players.
“I would have liked to have scored more runs, but I felt my leadership was good.
“I felt some pressure as captain, but our goal while we were out there was to improve as competitors and our skills and not necessarily to win the matches.”
It was the second foreign tour for Rob who played in India last year where he was named man of the match for his performance in the Cricket Club of India stadium after taking 4-29 off 10 overs.
Now he is re-focusing his efforts to ensure another appearance for his country next year.
“I’m hoping to perform well this summer and be chosen for the World Cup squad for the Under-19s next year.
“I’ve got a lot of games coming up this summer for Toft and I will be doing my best for them.”
Pictured: Rob in his England cap – and with some of the children he met in South Africa.
