FOURS, sixes and run-outs were the order of the day as 48 local children recently participated in the first ever National Schools ‘Street 20’ Cricket Competition at IT Carlow.
Mixed boys and girls teams from Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc, Carlow NS, Bishop Foley NS, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Askea Girls NS and Askea Boys NS participated in the action-packed twenty minute version of cricket.
As recently as one month ago, most of the children had never played cricket. Despite this, the young cricketers displayed remarkable skill and understanding to the applause of the crowd.
‘Street 20’ is the cricketing version of ‘5-a-side’ soccer. The compact nature of the game lends itself to rapid attack and counter attack between opposing sides, with the prospect of a nail biting finish.
Scoil Mhuire and Bishop Foley dominated the competition, with their hybrid teams – the Bouncers and the Yorkers - battling it out in the final for the Carlow ‘Street 20’Cricket National Schools’ Shield. In the end, the Bouncers were convincing winners having bowled out the Yorkers for only 17 runs. In reply, the Bouncers had no trouble in reaching the total with several overs to spare.
Prior to the final, the children and parents in attendance were treated to an exhilarating display of Street 20 Cricket as Carlow Cricket Club took on Bagenalstown Cricket Club in an exhibition match. In what was a blistering batting performance, Bagenalstown piled on 46 runs against Carlow’s bowling attack. In reply, Carlow (43) fell just short, needing 5 runs off the last ball to win.
Scoil Mhuire-Bishop Foley ‘Bouncers’ proudly accepted the ‘Street 20’ Cricket National Schools Shield. In recognition of the effort put in by all players, each cricketer was presented with a ‘Street 20’ 2014 medal.
The organisers would like to thank Carlow County Council Local Sports Partnership, Cricket Ireland, Cricket Leinster, RSA Insurance and IT Carlow for their support throughout this competition. Special thanks are also due to the principals and teachers of the participating schools, as well as the boys and girls who took part.
As the cricket season approaches, Carlow Cricket Club and Bagenalstown Cricket Club invite new junior and senior members to join their ranks. No previous cricketing experience is required. For further details, contact Jimmy Dooley (Carlow) on 085 7389463 or Clive Foot (Bagenalstown) 087 2438214.