On Thursday 22 May, The Tunbridge Wells School Sports Partnership organised the 2007 WOKSSA Kwik Cricket Festival which was held at Cranbrook Cricket Club and Cranbrook Rugby Club. In total, 18 teams from 14 different schools competed for a place at the County Finals which is also the Kent School Games Finals.

14 ‘A’ teams were placed into one large group and each team played five random fixtures against other schools. Four ‘B’ teams took part in a ‘B’ League and managed to play six fixtures, meeting each team in the league twice. All matches were 8 overs per innings with one innings per team.

Once again, the weather was on our side and students played in glorious sunshine which made the day worthwhile. The standard of cricket was outstanding and staff from the partnership witnessed some fantastic bowling, batting and fielding. Parents were able to sit at the side of the pitches with their picnics whilst their children enjoyed themselves in the festival which was very successful.

Later on in the afternoon, all teams finished their final fixtures and the league table was updated. Teams came into the central table and awaited their sixth and final fixture which was the tournament decider. Fixtures were organised by final positions in the table, with 1st playing 2nd, 3rd playing 4th and so on. Tenterden Primary School and Cranbrook Primary School were the finalists.

In a tightly fought battle, Cranbrook came out eventual winners and showed some stunning bowling and took some great wickets. Tenterden never gave up and gave it their all right until the final ball had been bowled. Both teams were very sporting and shook hands after the games and gave 3 cheers.

A special mention has to go to Lamberhurst who were the Fair Play winners. Throughout the afternoon, players from both their ‘A’ team and ‘B’ team showed good sportsmanship and never gave up even if they were losing. They clapped their opponents when they did things well and cheered on their team mates.

Individual mentions for ‘Champagne Moments’ at the final presentations went to:

W. Hopkin – Took a wonderful diving catch
S. Betts – Took a ‘Hatrick’
G. Cooper – 3 Wickets in 4 Balls
G. Robertson – 2 catches, brilliant bowling and batting

A huge thank you to the following for their help in ensuring the 2008 WOKSSA Kwik Cricket Festival was such a success:

• Tunbridge Wells School Sports Partnership staff
• Cranbrook Rugby Club
• Cranbrook Cricket Club
• Mandy Stevenson for running the clubhouse refreshments
• Angley School Sports Leaders
• Kent County Cricket Board
• All participating teams and staff