Members of the Mewies Solicitors Craven & District Cricket League took the opportunity to brush up on their first-aid skills while raising money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Having trained first-aiders at sports fixtures is strongly recom-mended, and swift action by a first- aider can often make a huge difference to the outcome of some sport-ing injuries.

As part of a scheme between HACS Training and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, local sports clubs are being given the chance to train members for a fraction of the price and make a donation to the YAA.

The courses cover everything from life support to minor cuts and bruises and can be tailored to all sports.

Cricket coaches will also be able to qualify for the ECB First Aid in Sport qualification.

The scheme is being pioneered by local sportsman Graham Summersgill, who is also Centre Manager for HACS Training.

Graham said: “Having been invol-ved in sport for over 30 years, I have seen plenty of injuries on the pitch.

“On many occasions, there is simply no first-aid support. It is hugely reassuring for players and their families to know that their club has plenty of trained first-aiders and we will do our best to ensure that clubs around the area achieve just that.”

Chris Kimberley, secretary of Skipton Cricket Club, said: “We are into a new season, and for us to have more people trained in basic first-aid is a huge benefit to the club and supporters.

“While you hope you never need to use these skills, they can help make a difference.”

The sessions last three hours, and any other sports clubs or leagues in the area who would like to train their members should contact HACS Training on 01423-779857 or e-mail training@hacs.co.uk to find out more.

* Rathmell & Wigglesworth have made a successful start to the season.

The first Sunday 40-overs-per-side match was at Grindleton, where the hosts were restricted to a modest 99.

Then, despite facing accurate seam bowling, Rathmell won by four wick-ets, thanks to Adrian Shepherd (31no) and Dale Denham (28).