THE Gloucestershire Cricket Board’s (GCB) first overseas tour has been hailed as a huge success.

A 16-man boys’ squad and a team of 15 girls have recently returned from two weeks in Sri Lanka as part of a new initiative between the GCB and Lions Sports Travel.

During the trip the squads played matches against local clubs and regional teams and had a chance to explore the country on a number of cultural sightseeing expeditions.

GCB chief executive Steve Silk said: “It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I am sure it was the same for the players, parents and coaches who came with us.”

The squads – who featured players ranging in age from 14 to 18 – stayed in Colombo, Galle and Negombo and visited Kandy.

In addition to the cricket they visited temples, an elephant orphanage, the historic fort at Galle and areas that had been affected by the 2004 tsunami.

They also donated cricket equipment to six schools.

The tour was sponsored by Lancer Scott.

The boys' squad included Lechlade CC duo Benny Ellis and James Palmer along with wicketkeeper Chris Calcott of North Cotswolds Young Cricketers.

The girls' party included Ceri Hopkins (Poulton), Eva Shoemark (North Cotswold Young Cricketers) and Eve Alder (Cirencester).

The boys played five games, winning two and losing three.

In their opening six-wicket defeat of Moratuwa CC, Palmer (62) and Ellis (40) were the top scorers.

The squad gained two T20s wins against Kandy District at Pallekele Stadium on the same day, with Ellis hitting a match-winning 67 in one of the games.

GCB head of performance Tim Hancock said: “It was a very good trip, very well organised, with a great bunch of lads.

“From a cricketing perspective it showed players how hard it is to adapt to playing in a different part of the world. We played against a lot of spin – particularly left arm spin, it was very hot and dusty and they had to work very hard. To bat long enough to score 60 required a big effort physically.

"The conditions made them really appreciate the value of being a team and the need to be physically fit. I hope that is something they will take away with them.”

The girls played in six matches, winning four and losing two.

In the first match they cruised to a 10-wicket win over Anula Vidyalaya with Hopkins (2-8) posting the best bowling figures and Alder hitting an unbeaten 32.

A 10-wicket win over Kurunegala Combined included an excellent spell of 3-12 from Shoemark.

Danielle Gibson hit two hundreds on the tour.

Girls’ coach Lisa Pagett said: “The girls conducted themselves brilliantly, embraced all the challenges they faced and threw themselves into all the cultural side of things. They were a credit to Gloucestershire.

"Hopefully the experience of going on tour will stay with them for years to come.”