Record turn-out from Dewsbury and Batley schools for Drax Cup tournament

Seventeen schools from Batley and Dewsbury took part in the Drax Cup, the biggest cricket competition for under-nines in the country.

Headfield School were crowned champions beating Westmoor Primary School in the final, held at Batley Cricket Club on Tuesday.

Victory means the Dewsbury pupils have qualified for the Drax Cup West Yorkshire finals, which will be held on Thursday June 19.

Each school on the day was assigned a cricket nation for the competition, with teams representing Australia, England and many more.

Mick Troop, school games organiser, said he was delighted with the response.

He said: “Many thanks to Batley Cricket Club for allowing us to use their ground.

“It might not seem like a big deal but having the kids playing on a proper cricket pitch gives them a real boost.

“Also thanks to the schools and staff for getting their teams to take part, and to Batley Business Enterprise College for allowing 10 Young Leaders to come down and umpire the event. It went unbelievably well.”

See this week’s paper for results from the tournament.