FOLLOWING on from the girls competition last week, on Tuesday, May 24 at Brecon Cricket Club, Cricket wales and Powys 5x60 sports development officers hosted an new cricket initiative called Chance to Compete for the U13 boys age group.

The idea of Chance to Compete is to encourage high school children to actively take part in cricket, and so the format is shortened from a normal game with eight players per side. Every player bowls one over per game, and batters retire at 20 runs so everyone gets a chance to take part.

The response from the high schools in South Powys was very encouraging, Builth, Llandrindod, Brecon, Crickhowell, John Beddoes Presteigne and Gwernyfed high schools all sending teams with 150 boys attending from 14 teams in total.

All teams played five games during the day, with some very good cricket skills on display, and after the pool stages four semi finalists played off for a place in the final, with Crickhowell and Builth making the final after beating Llandrindod and Brecon in their semis. After being undefeated all day Crickhowell were the favourites to win.

Crickhowell batted first and posted a well paced 78, Alfie Morgan retiring on 25, and being well supported by Deryn Price 11 not out and Alex Holmes 17 not out. The best of the Builth bowlers was Ben Cripps who only conceded four runs from the final over when the batters were in full destruction mode.

In reply Builth made a cautious start with Taylor Thornicott and Luc James keeping their wickets intact. Some tight bowling from Crickhowell proved hard for Builth to score off and with steady wickets Builth batted out there innings but fell 30 runs short of victory.

Wickets for Crickhowell were shared around with Rhodri Townsend, Seb Bailey and Mason Heal all taking one wicket each. Crickhowell now go on to represent Powys at the South Wales finals on June 27 in Cardiff, and all schools from the day wish them well for the finals.

Cricket Wales Community Coach for Brecon Terry Dickson said: "A massive thanks to Brecon Cricket Club for allowing Cricket Wales the use of the ground, Neath and Port Talbot College for supplying students to umpire and score, and to the 5x60 officers Jemma, Nicola, Elin, Jodie and Jonathan for running the day.

"The day was a great success, with Powys Sports Development officers and Cricket Wales now looking forward to the U15 boys and girls upcoming competitions."