Carlisle Cricket Club’s Stan Mcalindon played his part in helping a talented Durham Academy side to Gulf Cup success.

Teenager Mcalindon was a member of the 14-man squad which played in The United Arab Emirates, representing Durham in both the Under-15s and Under-17s age-group at the Gulf Cup, which is an annual junior competition, over the festive period.

In the Under-15 category, Durham fell to a last-ball loss in their quarter-final but came out on top of the pile in the Under-17s age-group as they beat Victoria Cricket Academy in the final last Tuesday.

“Stan absolutely loved it, it was a chance of a lifetime. The closer we got to heading out for the tour, the more excited he got,” said dad Mark, who is involved in junior coaching at Carlisle.

“Obviously, he had met quite a few of the players through the training that had been set-up to prepare for it. You don’t know until you start playing how you’re going to get on, but they were a fantastic squad.

“They were all talented kids and they became a really powerful team when they were over there.

"Stan loves all that - being a part of a team and a successful one at that, which was the most important thing.”

Explaining how the final in Sharjah panned out, Mark said: “The final was a brilliant game of cricket.

“They were set a target of 142 but Durham were 4/2 and 13/3. At that point, a win didn’t look possible, but a fantastic partnership helped to get Durham over the line. 

“All the success was down to a wide range of players stepping up.”

Stan, 14, was one of the Durham youngsters to come to the fore.

Mark said: “Stan bowled quick. There was one night under lights, with a white ball and the floodlights, where he was bowling really quickly.  

"It was an awesome sight to see him bowling as quickly as that because of the injuries he has struggled with. He got a fifty in an Under-17 game, as well.”

Mark says it was great for the Durham players to get the chance to interact with other keen cricketers from across the globe, while he also praised the reception they were given.

He added: “I think John Windows [Academy Director] was especially pleased that, as well as playing so well, they got on with kids from all over the world.

“With kids at that age, it helps to break down their preconceptions, and they ended up playing volleyball on the beach with the other teams. They were meeting other kids who, in many cases, were coming from totally alien environments. 

“We met kids from Quetta and Peshawar in Pakistan, places that almost appear to be off the map in terms of travel. But it shows ordinary people are ordinary people anywhere.

“The welcome we got in the UAE was absolutely brilliant, too. From the groundsman to the organisers, everyone was friendly. It proved to be a very friendly place.”

Carlisle, meanwhile, are looking for a new first-team scorer ahead of their 2019 Cumbria Cricket League season.

The Edenside club are also preparing to host a dinner on March 9, where former England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard will be the star attraction, with tickets costing £35 or £300 for a table of 10.

Call first-team captain Marc Brown on 078952 46999 or chairman Mike Rayson on 07914 328562 for tickets or more information.

Secretary Mark Davidson said: “Matthew Hoggard is principle speaker, backed up by top comedian Mark Langley.

"The event will be hosted by Ian Milburn and will include a two-course meal, a raffle, an auction and other entertainment.”