Both the minimads are sporty boys and love playing and watching sport. I am one of those odd women that loves Cricket. I remember going to watch the local team play with my Grandad (the cricket club was at the end of our road) and I loved sitting next to him and watching and learning.
When we were invited by The England Cricket Board to attend a local T20 Blast match we thought it would be a great introduction to the boys of cricket, albeit a much short, more fast paced match and we were right.
For those not in the know T20 is a shorter version of a day match. With only 20 overs per side. 1 over is 6 balls. On average it takes about three hours.
The beauty of T20 is that there are lots more fours and sixes and also more people caught out in a shorter time. It is like a match on fast forward.
The Natwest T20 Blast is a fast paced, big hitting, all-round entertainment package both on and off the pitch, involving some of the world’s top cricketers. With a quicker format and more lively game night experience, the Natwest T20 Blast experience takes on a modern twist and signifies the start of summer
We went to see Durham Jets hamer Derbyshire Falcons and it was a great afternoon. Yes we got a little wet, but that didn’t dampen our spirits.
Top tips for getting the best out of T20 Blast with kids
- Take a picnic. Fod at the stadium is expensive. We packed a picnic and grazed throughout the match
- Get their early – parking at Durham is inexpensive at £2.30 and close and by getting their early we got a great car parking space and got to look round before the game started (which is called stumps) and got good seats
- Take clothing for all eventualities, we had hot sun and rain within minutes, so make sure you take waterproofs, hats, suncream and a blanket. Don’t take an umbrella they drip on other people and you cannot see over them if sat behind someone with one.
- Take binoculars, the boys loved being able to see a little better and binoculars are great for this.
- Stay at the end and get the players autographs
- Grab the noisemakers and cards for waving when 4 and 6’s are hit
Great tips Jen. My son has recently taken part in his first cricket match and really enjoyed it. We’ve never seen a match live, but a T20 shorter match sounds great. I used to be rather a good fast bowler back in the day 😉
Great tips and I learnt a lot. Hope you all had a fantastic day.
great tips – hope you enjoyed it!
Great post – I love the T20 series but prefer the full tests 🙂 My eldest joined a local club and loved his Cricket when he was younger.
Great tips, I know nothing about cricket at all x
I just know we’ll be doing this in the future. Taking a picnic is always a must with these things!
No one in my house like cricket, even though we live a stones throw from Trent Bridge!
Fab tips sounds like a great day out. I’ve never ever watched a cricket match xx
I’ll need these tips when mine are a bit older! Sounds like it’s a fun day.
My hubby and son go to Hove to watch T20 and they love it. These are great tips xxx
Looks great fun x
As much as I try to understand the rules of this game are still a mystery to me 🙁
Super tips that could be applied to any ‘outdoor’ event – especially the umbrella tip!
It sounds like such a nice day out – wonderful tips 🙂 x
I remember watching cricket quite regularly with my dad at our local ground in Northampton. I found it really relaxing even as a child. This sounds like a much more fun version without being quicker paced x
My dad and grandad will hate me for this, but I just cannot stand cricket…..its like watching paint dry……..sorry!
Ooh we went to watch one of these games at Lords, I was reviewing it for my work! We had a great time, the atmosphere was brilliant, although our maych was rained off hehe. x