The Warwickshire Cricket Foundation was delighted to host the Chance to Compete regional finals in collaboration with Central Sparks and Chance to Shine.
State schools from Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire battled to become Chance to Compete champions at the Edgbaston Foundation Sports Ground.
Chance to Compete is an exciting opportunity for girls to play cricket, organised by Chance to Shine. Chance to Compete is the most targeted girls programme accessible, aimed at Secondary School U13 and U15 girls, and allows them to test their skills in a friendly competition against other schools.
Central Sparks cricketers Abbey Freeborn, Emily Arlott, and Courtney Webb were on hand to provide their expertise and assist the girls, and they were treated to a pre-lunch Q&A session about their cricketing experiences.
There was plenty of thrilling cricket from all teams, with boundaries being the most popular scoring option of the day.
Frances and Nirujah, two Woodrush High School students, discussed their journey to the regional finals. Frances said “We played schools from the Bromsgrove area a few weeks ago at Bromsgrove Cricket Club and managed to win all three games, making it here today.”
“I’ve enjoyed playing more cricket and being able to visit a place as nice as this. We have quite a few girls in our team who haven’t played much cricket before, so today has definitely been a challenge, and there are some very good teams here today.”
Nirujah added “It’s exciting to have Central Sparks cricketers around it’s good to learn from them about their experiences of playing cricket when they were younger”.
Congratulations to Newport Girls’ High School who finished as the U13 regional champions and The Thomas Adams School who finished as the U15 regional champions.
You can find more information out about Chance to Compete here, and click here to learn more about girls secondary school cricket.