Westmoor go through in Drax Cup

Westmoor were one of six teams at the event hosted by Batley Cricket Club, and won all five of their games to ease through to the next round as area champions.

However, they faced a fight from the other five sides, who all impressed on a great day of cricket.

Westmoor will now face fellow qualifiers from Kirklees, Bradford, Wakefield, Halifax and Leeds for a place in the Yorkshire final on Tuesday, July 9.

Each school was assigned a cricket nation for the competition, with Westmoor, representing South Africa, competing against Fieldhead (New Zealand), Chickenley (Australia), Healey (India), Batley Parish (England) and Carlton (Pakistan).

Fieldhead were Westmoor’s closest challengers, and after losing to the eventual champions in their second match, went on to win the remaining three to finish as deserved runners-up.

However, such was the level of competition at the event all six sides finished with at least one win to their name.

Mick Troop, School Games Organiser, said: “Many thanks to Batley Cricket Club for not only allowing use of the ground but for also cutting four wickets on Sunday evening and providing beverages during the day.

“Thanks also to the schools and staff for organising their squads and supporting the competition, and to Earlsheaton Technology College for allowing seven Young Leaders time off to support the event.

“These seven; Adeeb Ajmal, Harry Bennetts, Elis Longstaff, James Smith, Ibrahim Yasin, Charlie Sandell and Danny Airth all umpired, scored and fully supported the event professionally and wholeheartedly.”

Now in its seventh year, the Drax Cup is the biggest under 9s competition in the country.

The event is sponsored by Drax and organised by the Yorkshire County Cricket Club in partnership with Yorkshire Cricket Board, Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and the School Games Organisers.

Any local youngsters interested in getting involved with cricket can attend StreetChance’s free sessions, which are held at the Al Hickmah Centre, Batley, on Saturdays at 12-2pm, Dewsbury Sports Centre on Fridays at 8-9.30pm and Chickenley Hub on Mondays at 3.30-5pm.

For further information contact Tom Love on 07800 804810.