Last updated 13:27, Thursday, 24 July 2008

OVINGHAM Middle School’s cricket team has narrowly missed out on winning the English Cricket Board’s only national schools; competition.

Ovingham Middle School Kwik cricketers at Grace Road, Leicester

Cricketers from years five and six made their way to Leicestershire’s famous Grace Road for the final of Kwik Cricket competition.

Originally involving over 13,000 schools, only 16 teams from around the UK made it to this stage.

Ovingham beat a team from Ireland, but lost out by two runs to a team from South West England, and by nine runs to a team from the Midlands.

“It was very close and they all did very well,” said PE teacher Deborah Goodwin.

“I think everyone was a bit overwhelmed with the whole situation.

“I think they knew they could have won the two matches, but it was all a bit much. It was very official all day.”

To get to the finals, the school won the local heats at Tynedale Cricket Club, the county final at Stocksfield Cricket Club, and the regional event at Carlisle.

Mrs Goodwin said Ben Smith’s captaining had been “absolutely brilliant”, as had his wicket keeping.

The final also saw outstanding catches from Joe Finnerty and Sam Beedle, and a solid bowling performance from Jamie Davies-Jones.