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Cricket Ireland North West Development Officer Brian Allen reports on another fantastic schools competition.
Friday 13th is a date regarded as unlucky for some, but on this occasion it didn’t prove to be the case for Strabane Academy who retained the NW Super 8’s girl’s cricket cup for the second year running. This tournament is aimed at bridging the gap between primary school cricket and secondary school hard ball cricket.

The hard ball competitions in schools see U15 and U19 teams partake in competitions, which is where First Form Super 8 cricket fits the bill. To aid participation each team consists of a maximum of 8 players, player with a composite cricket ball using full cricket safety gear.

The 2014 tournament took place over the 3 cricket grounds of Foyle college, and included Foyle College, Strabane Academy and Limavady Grammar school. Each school proving to have a great interest in the game entered two teams apiece into the competition. In total there were 6 teams playing simultaneously across the 3 pitches at Foyle which was a spectacle in itself.

Each of the matches were met with a competitive nature which made for some good finishes. Over the tournament Strabane Academy edged out competition to remain unbeaten, with great team performances. This was complimented by some good individual performances, most notably Beth Black who scored over 40 runs, whilst taking 3 wkts at an average of 3.5 over the tournament, which may have been the difference in the sides throughout the day.

It was very encouraging to see such numbers involved in the game at school, and with many cricketers in the Strabane and Foyle teams already playing in the club setting, you can’t help but feel that the first club in Roe Valley to introduce the women’s game will have a large influx of players. Congratulations to all teams who entered, the active community umpires, Foyle College for superbly hosting the event & Strabane Academy on taking the honours on the day.

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Brian Allen
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Connaught