BUDDING young cricketers got a real treat on the first day of their PiriPiri winter coaching camp after Ryan ten Doeschate passed on tips on technique.

The Essex club captain was on hand to hold an invaluable one-on-one coaching session with more than 60 youngsters, at Holmwood House School.

ten Doeschate, fresh from helping Essex win promotion to County Championship division one, focused on modern limited-overs cricket shots and gave advice on on power hitting, the sweep shot and hitting over the top.

The Holland international cricketer also handed out prizes and signed shirts, posed for pictures and signing autographs for the young cricketers.

PiriPiri cricket head coach Ben Stephens said: "To have Ryan come along and work with the youngsters was awesome and the kids loved it.

"It was a great day and we were very lucky to have him come along.

"He put the spotlight on One Day and T20 batting and based his session around that.

"He got the youngsters hitting into a hoop - everyone had ten goes and their aim was to beat Ryan.

"None of them managed to do that but a few of them got close!

"A lot of the parents came up to him afterwards and congratulated him for the session he put on."

ten Doeschate's visit to PiriPiri cricket kicked off term one of their winter coaching course, where sessions are focused on aspects such as attacking batting, bowling and fielding.

Stephens added: "The winter sessions have made a real difference to youngsters in the Colchester area and getting that coaching at this time of year is crucial."

PiriPiri cricket coaching camps are designed to give young cricketers the opportunity to learn skills and techniques that will help them to achieve a confident all-round playing performance.

They adopt coaching and fitness drills used by the professionals, along with video analysis, as part of their coaching experience in a fun environment.

Term two of PiriPiri cricket's winter coaching programme starts at Holmwood House next month and places are still up for grabs.

For more information on the PiriPiri coaching camp, visit www.piripiricricket.co.uk