BGN Family Kwik Cricket

The annual Year 5 and 6 Kwik Cricket Festival for the BGN Family of Primary Schools took place on Thursday 7th June at the picturesque setting of Banbury Cricket Club.  Over one hundred and thirty children from Bishop Loveday, Cropredy, Hardwick and Orchard Fields Primary Schools took part.

Eight teams competed in the boys’ competition and a further five in the girls’ competition which were expertly umpired and scored by fifteen competent Year 7, 8 and 9 student leaders from Blessed George Napier.

On a warm day and relaxed atmosphere across six pitches, there was plenty of enthusiasm, determination and teamwork on display throughout the day.  Teams also demonstrated an impressive array of fielding, bowling and batting skills.  Also teams respected their opposition by shaking hands at end of each match and thanking the umpires.

Following a series of round-matches Bishop Loveday won all four of their matches to win the girls’ competition.  Hardwick took runners-up spot, recording three wins and one defeat.  Cropredy won two and lost two to come third, followed by Orchard Fields A who defeated their classmates, Orchard Fields B in their deciding match to come fourth and fifth respectively. 

In the boy’s competition both Cropredy and Bishop Loveday B lead the way recording three victories a piece after the round-robin matches.  These teams both enjoyed convincing wins in their semi-finals; Cropredy defeating Orchard Fields A and Bishop Loveday B beating Bishop Loveday A.  In an exciting and close final, Bishop Loveday B were victorious with a hard fought 17 run victory over Cropredy.  What was more remarkable is that Bishop Loveday B team consisted of all Year 5 children.  In the third and fourth place match, Bishop loveday A edged out Orchard Fields A.

In the boys’ plate competition, comprising of teams finishing third and fourth places following the mornings round-robin matches, Hardwick A deservedly won by beating Orchard Fields C in the final.  Orchard Fields B got the better of Hardwick B to take third place. 

Congratulation to both Cropredy (girls) and Bishop Loveday B (Boys) who will represent the BGN family at the Level 3 County Kwik Cricket finals in July.

During the event, the Spirit of the Games value of honesty was a key focus area. A player from each team was selected and presented with a special certificate in recognition of this value throughout the festival.

Zoe Pugh, Oxford County Cricket board, was in attendance during the festival and encouraged all players to continue playing Cricket and signposted them to further opportunities within their local community club.

Thank you to Banbury Cricket Club for hosting the event and thank you the young leaders from Blessed George Napier Catholic School who ensured the event was an enjoyable experience for all involved

 “Young leaders were amazing.  Respectful, supportive and knowledgable.  The event was well organised.”  (Teacher at Hardwick)

“fun”  “Epic” “Awesome”  (children at Cropredy)

“Brilliantly organized, well-paced.” (Teacher at Cropredy)

“We were really pushed.  We learnt a lot and improved our game.” (Children at Cropredy)

“Children were able to play lots of games which meant lots of enjoyment and participation.  Young leaders were fair. (Teacher at Orchard Fields)

“We worked well as a team and the other teams were good.”                                                        “It has been really fun, it was well organized and I thought Bishop Loveday batted well.” (Children at Orchard Fields)

“It was a lovely day and the leaders were great.”  (Child at Bishop Loveday)

Mr Mawn (SSCo)