A cricket team set up in Hartlepool to help local people recovering from substance use has played its first game.

The Recovery Cricket Group is run by START the drug and alcohol support service run by Hartlepool Borough Council and Foundations.

Most of the players were completely new to cricket when the group first met at the start of the summer for weekly training sessions at Hartlepool Cricket Club.

And last month, as part of National Recovery Month, the team played its first match to celebrate the gains made by members of the group during the summer.

DIFFERENT

Gareth Jones, who captained the team in the inaugural match, explained: "In recovery or when you’re in addiction you’re used to whatever your addiction was. This is a new scope to learn something different that you’ve never even thought of or dreamed about doing.”

The initiative was set up by START, which stands for 'Supporting Treatment and Recovery Together', as part of their psychosocial intervention work to get people involved in groups.

Read the full story on the England and Wales Cricket Board website here. 

EQUIPMENT

The project has also been supported by Durham Cricket which donated shirts and other kit items, including protective helmets. During the summer, Durham representatives including first team all-rounder Jonathan Bushnell who also plays for Hartlepool Cricket Club, attended a nets session to hand over the equipment and meet members of the group.

Cameron Rochow, Durham Cricket Community Engagement Officer, told hartlepool.gov.uk: "At Durham Cricket it is important that we work with local community groups, so to be able to support the work which START are doing in Hartlepool is fantastic.

"For these participants to take up cricket and enjoy their self is fantastic to see. It was a pleasure to attend the session and support the group with equipment for the club. We look forward to seeing how they progress as the group continues to grow.”

Read more about the match and watch the video on ITV Tyne Tees.