Kwik cricket lands in Turkey

Bilkent University Preparatory School (BUPS) claimed a 16-run victory over students from the British Embassy Study Group in Turkey's first-ever inter-school cup match.

Watched by their proud mums and dads, the boys and girls aged from the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades put on a great display with some big hits, excellent bowling and some great catches in the outfield, showing off the skills they had learnt over the past two months.

"It was a great afternoon and the kids loved it," BUPS coach David Ogilvie said after the match. "In fact my students have been talking of nothing but the match all week."

All students received medals from the president of the Turkish Developing Federation, Enver Oral, acknowledging their participation in the game with BUPS taking home the Junior Challenge Cup 2009.

"We'll be back next year," said BESG coach Stuart Downer.

The game was played under the modified Kwik Cricket rules which emphasize watching and hitting the ball when batting and gives every player an opportunity to ?do everything? (bowling, fielding and batting). It?s ideal for kids to learn all about cricket because it simplifies the game to its most basic level and keeps kids interested throughout. Not only that, there's no problem with anyone getting hurt as the ball is soft, therefore there is no need for protective equipment.