THE first ever cricket tour by a Hungarian side to England has been hosted by Settle Cricket Club.

And even though the fledgling side had never even seen a real cricket ground before, they proved their enthusiasm for the game by winning one of the matches.

Comenius Cricket Club sent a mixed squad of 15 young players from the town of Szekesfehervar, 50 miles south-west of Budapest, to play fixtures against local sides at the weekend.

The historical tour sprang from a chance e-mail exchange between two teachers.

Andy Grieve, who teaches English in Hungary, asked Andrew Davidson, the deputy head of Clitheroe's Ribblesdale High School if he "knew anyone interested in cricket".

As Mr Davidson just happened to be Settle's first team skipper, the answer was obvious.

Mr Davidson set about arranging a three-match programme for them.

Comenius lost to Settle Middle School and Settle A' before winning their final match against Settle B'.

Mr Davidson said: "Although their technique needs more work, their enthusiasm is tremendous."

Mr Davidson noted that although the batting was often across the line, the bowling was surprisingly good, given the short time they had been playing the game.

He explained: "There are about 120 players in the country, mainly expatriate Indians, Pakistanis and English, but Comenius CC are all our locals. We play wherever we can, often on football fields or matting wickets."

"One of the team members said he only realised cricket was played on grass while watching a televised one-day match in an Indian restaurant in Budapest.

"Then we came to Settle and saw a beautiful ground in real life for the first time. And so many people help on the field, in the new clubhouse and in the game. It is like a centre for the whole town," he said.