Unbeaten Bywell impress to earn Drax Cup success

It was the 10th annual Drax Under-9s Kwik Cricket qualifier and Bywell will now go on to represent Dewsbury and Batley Schools in the West Yorkshire final at Pudsey St Lawrence today (Thursday).

Nine schools and 80 children, from Bywell, Eastborough, Hyrstmount, Holy Spirit, Carlton, Westmoor, Warwick Road, Healey and Field Lane all participated in this year’s competition.

The nine schools, and a composite 10th team made up from school squads and led by Young Year 5 leaders from Westmoor Primary, were assigned national teams to produce a World Cup effect.

The teams were split into two groups, with group winners scheduled to meet each other in a one off final to decide the overall competition winners.

Bywell (Sri Lanka) and Healey (South Africa) dominated their respective groups, winning all their games to qualify for the final, which produced a terrific encounter.

Healey made a flying start, scoring 43 runs in the first four overs.

Bywell fought back with excellent fielding and took wickets to peg Healey back in the final four overs.

Set a net score of 52, Bywell’s run chase swung both ways .

Healey held the early initiative but 20 runs from the third over put Bywell in control and by the end of the seventh over, they had edged ahead.

Bywell remained on course to win but lost a wicket as Healey fought back.

Bywell held their nerve and two dot balls ensured they were victorious for the second year running.

Eastborough School, playing as Ireland beat Hyrstmount (New Zealand) in an equally close game to claim third place.

Each one of the nine school teams must be congratulated for their efforts, fair play, enthusiasm and commitment in providing a hugely enjoyable event which provided many children with their first opportunity to play in a competitive environment, at an excellent facility.

The St John Fisher partnership thank Batley for the use of their facilities, along with the young sports leaders who umpired, coached and led proceedings during the long hot day’s event.

Westmoor Year 5 pupils Zain, Harris, Samee and Hamza, along with four Year 6 pupils from Bywell, Freddie, Harry, Finley and Oliver, and two Year 7s from St John Fisher Academy, Jaideep and Ethan, displayed maturity in ensuring fair play and continuity ran throughout.

Bywell now travel to Pudsey St Lawrence aiming to secure a place in the Drax Cup final, to be played at Headingley.