On Thursday, the 12th June, Bagenalstown CC's first inter schools competition was played on it's second attempt, after persistent rain washed out the opening effort to put on the tournament in McGrath Park on the 6th. Typical Ireland!
It was the culmination of the club's school sessions initiative, to introduce more local children, between the ages of 7-9 years of age, into playing cricket, which started in 2012.
The club is now bringing cricket to 6 local primary schools, including Queen of the Universe NS, St. Finian's NS Garryhill and Newtown-Dunleckney NS
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On the big day, locals would have seen pupils from St Mary's NS, Ballinkillen NS and Nurney NS bowling accurate deliveries, witnessed super catches and saw some quality shots, including some MASSIVE 6's!
In the end, the Ballinkillen "Bouncers" won the overall Cup tournament, beating St Mary's "Stumpies" by 20 runs, and there were medals for all.
A massive thank you to the schools who participated on the day, especially for reorganising the day at a busy time in the school year, and thanks to Baggies members for helping with school sessions and both days of the Blitz.
The school's initiative has been a success. There is now a fresh crop of skilled players from the local schools coming to kids training, and there is now a solid youth structure to grow upon. Along with the 1st team in a stable position in Division 8, and with Bagenalstown CC apart of "MYC" (Midlands Youth Cricket), the future looks bright in McGrath Park.