Fantastic performances by our teams meant that St. Mary’s retained the Basingstoke Schools Kwik Cricket trophy in the girls’ competition on 20^th June whilst the boys were runners-up in their tournament.

In the morning, the girls’ team, comprising children from Years 5 and 6, defeated eight other schools.  An exceptionally high level of batting, fielding and bowling was combined with a superb team spirit and outstanding sportsmanship throughout. Well done, girls.

Then, in the late afternoon, the boys’ team came very close to emulating the girls. They won their semi-final against Four Lanes but were narrowly beaten by Oakley in the final. They had already played a number of games two weeks previously in order to reach the final stage. This was also an outstanding achievement as the boys had to defeat seven other Junior Schools across Basingstoke. Each member of the team made a crucial contribution to our overall success, combining excellent cricketing skills with superb teamwork. Congratulations, boys.

In addition to these successes, this year St Mary’s was also able to field an additional ‘guest’ team for the first time in the boys’ competition. This enabled even more pupils to get experience of tournament cricket. This team also performed to a very high level, winning three of their four games before having to retire from the semi-final stage under the rules of the tournament. Congratulations also go to our B team.

Both teams now progress to the County Final competition at the St. Cross Cricket Ground, Winchester (boys on 5^st July and the girls on 6^th July).

Many thanks to those parents who provided transport and who lent their support at the competitions on the day.