Belgium's Cricket School Program - Finals Day

Belgium's successful 2006-2007 Cricket School Program reached its fitting conclusion last week with an Apotheoses Day on the ground of Mechelen Eagles CC at the beautiful Vrijbroek Park in Mechelen.
No less than 19 schools took active part in this ambitious intiative since its start in 2006 - the aim to develop cricket in schools, targeting the 10-13 year old age group.

Last wee's final's day, blessed with ideal weather conditions, saw 6 teams from 4 schools fight it out in a mini tournament for the Trophy which was last year won by BSGO De Wijze Eik from Mariakerke.

After the preliminaries, the semi finals turned out to be hard-fought spectacular games, played however in the true spirit of the game and always in a very friendly atmosphere.

In the first semi final, De Wijze Eik A (136/2 = 126) beat De Zonnebloem B (127/1 = 122) by 4 runs (minus 5 runs per wicket lost). In the second semi final, local team BSGO De Spreeuwen (133/0) beat De Zonnebloem A (118/3 = 103) by 30 runs.

Due to lack of time, (The school from Ghent was facing a long drive back which proved to be a problem) the two finalists agreed to share the second School Competition Trophy.

Result: BSGO De Spreeuwen Mechelen and BSGO De Wijze Eik (Casierlaan) Mariakerke declared joint winners of the 2006-2007 School Cricket Trophy.

It can certainly be said that the level of cricket is certainly improving, thanks to the continuous efforts from national coach Fazil Mahmoud, some of the Level I coaches and many helping hands.

The day that indigenous youngsters will represent Belgium is approaching slowly but steadily?

Schools that competed on the final?s day:

• Scheppersinstituut Mechelen

• BSGO De Spreeuwen

• BSGO De Wijze Eik Casierlaan ? Mariakerke

• BSGO De Wijze Eik Eeklostraat ? Mariakerke

• BSGO De Zonnebloem ? Wolvertem (two teams)