Pupils from Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg in Cowbridge have retained their crown as the Vale of Glamorgan’s top Kwik cricketers by stumping their rivals from 17 other local primary schools.
Some wicket-taking wizardry saw the school come from behind to overcome St Joseph’s RC Primary School in a dramatic final over of the annual Kwik Cricket Festival, organised by the Vale Council’s Dragon Sport team and sponsored by ASDA.
Nearly 200 boys and girls took to the field at Penarth Athletic Ground to get the chance to experience every part of the sport – bowling, batting and fielding. All players got to be at the heart of the action, having the ball in hand to bowl one over each per match, and then taking to the crease with a partner for a guaranteed two overs of batting. When wickets fell, their team was docked runs rather than the player being called out.
Explaining the Kwik cricket competition further, the Vale’s Dragon Sport Assistant Pete Hardwick said: “By playing to the rules of Kwik cricket, with appropriate sized equipment, this festival was an excellent opportunity for the pupils to play the game and develop their skills against other schools. The profile of cricket has been raised in South Wales in the last year with some big matches being played at the Swalec Stadium, and festivals such as this are another way of encouraging more youngsters to play the sport regularly.”
Pete added: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make the day such a success, including the umpires from the Association of Cricket Officials for volunteering their time and the groundsman Andrew Cripps.”
Dragon Sport is a Sport Wales initiative funded by the National Lottery which offers seven to 11-year-olds fun and enjoyable sporting opportunities. The scheme focuses on eight key sports – rugby, football, netball, hockey, golf, athletics, tennis and cricket.
In addition to sponsoring the cricket festival, staff from ASDA’s Pontprennau store provided healthy refreshments for all the children involved. Community Colleague Sarah Allen said: “We are always extremely keen to help in any way we can with the community so we are delighted to sponsor this cricket festival and promote the values of healthy eating.”
Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg and St Joseph’s will now go forward to represent the Vale of Glamorgan at the South East Wales finals of the Kwik cricket competition.
To find out more about Dragon Sport in the Vale of Glamorgan please call Pete Hardwick on 01446 704820
