Redbridge won the 2012 London Youth Games cricket competition

2012 Champions Redbridge have a tough draw in the group stages of London Youth Games cricket competition.

Redbridge London Youth Games cricket coach Mahesh Velani is hoping his newly shaped side can emulate the success of last year’s crop as they prepare to defend their crown.

Velani and fellow coach Peter Simpson believe they have assembled another strong side made up of youngsters from local clubs including Wanstead, Old Parkonians and Ilford.

The draw for the group stages of the competition, which begin on February 2, took place this week and Redbridge go into the tournament as top seeds after winning the event last year.They will face challenges from Brent, Bexley and Ealing, who finished last year’s tournament in tied 17th, tied seventh and ninth places respectively.

“I have seen the draw and I am sure those teams will provide us with a big test,” said Velani.

“Indoor cricket is slightly different to outdoor in terms of the skills and tactics required but, as ever, we will try our best and see where it gets us.”

And despite the tough draw Velani – older brother of England under-19 international and Wanstead cricketer Kishen Velani – is optimistic that his side can make it back-to-back wins in the competition with the best crop of young talent from the borough.

“We are aiming to emulate last season’s achievements and if we win it will be great for me, Peter and the boys,” he said.

“But the main things we like to emphasise are that everyone has fun and the boys learn about the game and develop themselves.

For full story see Thursday’s Recorder.