FORMER South African international Andrew Hall was in Suffolk over the Easter break.

The Northamptonshire skipper once played for Suffolk in a memorable Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy tie at Bury St Edmunds against the county he now captains, which the visitors won by one wicket.

Hall was one of the coaches on a course for youngsters at Framlingham College. The course was designed by Suffolk Youth coach Peter Bennett-King and current Suffolk all-rounder Ben France, who is full-time cricket coach at the college and Brandeston Hall. Around 50 young players attended and enjoyed the rare opportunity to receive coaching from Hall, Suffolk skipper Justin Bishop and and vice-captain Tom Huggins.

Over the four days, the participants developed key skills and had access to four bowling machines in the college sports hall for one of the batting sessions.

The children benefited from a day at Northants County Cricket Club where they were greeted again by Hall and former Framlingham College student Robert Newton, who now plays for Northamptonshire, amongst several other first-class players.

Presentations about bat-making from ‘Willow Stix’ contributed to another informative and purposeful cricket course at the college.