YOUNG cricketers from local schools competed for the honour of representing the west of the county. 

The West Northumberland Indoor U13 Boys’ Cricket Competition took place at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre. 

Teams from four of the district’s middle schools entered the full-day softball tournament. 
A group stage took place in the morning, followed by afternoon knock-out matches. 

Ovingham Middle School won a closely-contested semi-final by 14 runs against Prudhoe’s Highfield Middle School. 

In the other semi-final, Corbridge Middle defeated Hexham’s St. Joseph’s Middle School, after chasing down a total of 74 runs. 

The eagerly-anticipated final saw Corbridge post 86-5 from their eight overs. In reply, Ovingham chased down the total in 5.3 overs to be crowned champions. 

Tom Cant, Northumberland Cricket Board’s development officer for the west of the county, said: “It was a great day of cricket and I think everyone involved enjoyed themselves.

“Corbridge were worthy runners-up and they posted the highest score of the day with an impressive 133 runs against Highfield. 

“Well done to all players and teachers for an excellent tournament with fair play shown throughout.”
After winning the tournament, Ovingham Middle will go on to represent West Northumberland at the Northumberland County Finals on Thursday December 13, at the Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle.

Northumberland Cricket Board works closely with schools in the district to promote the sport, and to offer coaching opportunities in accordance with national programmes such as All Stars Cricket and Chance to Shine. 

There are winter and summer competitions, and an indoor tournament for U13 girls is set to take place at Wentworth Leisure Centre early in the New Year. 

Tom added: “There is a lot of interest in cricket, and a lot of talented youngsters in the district. We work with schools and local cricket clubs, and it’s important that we provide opportunities to play social cricket as well as competitive matches.”  

For more information about the Northumberland Cricket Board visit https://ncb.play-cricket.com/