JUNIOR cricketers from Portland Red Triangle met one of the world's greatest ever batsman during a trip to Hamp-shire Cricket Club.

The visit was arranged by Portland coach Jon Dixon in conjunction with the county side's director of cricket Tim Tremlett and the chance to meet Sachin Tendulkar was just one of the highlights of a magnificent day.

Dixon said: "I wanted to give some of our promising juniors the chance to experience a little of what it takes to become a professional cricketer, in particular the training and dedication that is required.

"I also wanted them to witness the vast difference in the standard that they play at now and what they ultimately have to aspire to if they want to become professionals."

Initially the plan for the trip was to watch Hampshire Seconds play but rain curtailed that and opened the door to another opportunity.

Dixon added: "It looked like the weather had ruined our day. However, I then received a phone call from Tim Tremlett explaining that the Indian Test team was secretly training at the Rose Bowl and that we would have the opportunity to watch them train and possibly get some autographs afterwards.

"In the end we had a great day. John Crawley the Hampshire and ex-England player took some time out to talk about life as a professional cricketer and spent about half an hour answering any questions we had to put to him.

"The boys were then allowed to make use of the nets at the Hampshire academy but the highlight had to be when one of the world's greatest ever batsman Sachin Tendulkar took time to have his photograph taken with the party.

Fortunate "Indeed our group probably obtained the first photographs to be taken of the 2007 Indian touring party.

"The trip was supported by all of our local schools and it is hoped that the content will help with the boys' GCSE Sports and Sports Science courses.

"In addition we were extre-mely fortunate to have been sponsored by UDrive, who provided us with a minibus for the trip. A great big thank-you must go to them for helping to make it all possible.

"The party was chosen based on their improvement and attitude over the winter at coaching sessions held at All Saints School and Royal Manor School.

"I would have liked to have taken all of the boys who attended the coaching over the winter months but unfortunately this year that was just not possible.

"However, those who did go were a credit to themselves and Portland Cricket Club. Indeed at the end of the day, I was informed by Tim that not only would we be welcome again next year, but that Hampshire would also arrange tickets to a first-class match for all the lads who went this time."

Portland are committed to providing quality coaching for local juniors and thanks to partnerships with All Saints School and Royal Manor School have managed to set up free of charge sessions for a large number of children.

The club is hoping to increase its number of coaches and its sphere of influence to assist in the development of female and disabled players and one target is to obtain the funding for a bowling machine to enhance its coaching programme.

At a cost of £2,000 the club has a long way to go and they are always looking for sponsorship. If anyone can help towards this target please contact Dixon on 07876242802.