Uptonsteel County Ground Hosts Dynamos Schools County Finals

Year 5 and 6 pupils from across Leicestershire descended on Uptonsteel County Ground last week, as the Foxes’ hallowed home played host to two Dynamos Primary Cricket Finals.

Having held the all girls’ finals the previous Friday, Grace Road saw the open competition (boys & girls) edition of the Schools County Finals on Monday.

Both days were run by Leicestershire CCC in The Community, in partnership with Dynamos and Team Leicestershire, giving primary school pupils the chance to play on the Foxes’ picturesque pitch.

Nine teams, split into two pools, competed in a round-robin format for the title, with matches played in teams of eight. Each side faced 40 balls, batting in pairs for ten deliveries, with a conventional run-scoring system and five runs gained for every wicket taken.

The group winners faced off in the final, while the runners-up played for bronze in the third/fourth-placed play-off.

Friends and family were in attendance to roar on their support, with the final being live streamed on the big screen for all and sundry to enjoy.

The days concluded with an awards ceremony, as well as the presentation of a participation medal and a Foxes-filled goodie bag to ensure nobody left empty handed.

Speaking about the day, Vishal Mistry, Cricket Development Officer for Young People at Leicestershire CCC, said: “It was great to see so many schools showcasing their cricket skills, as well as their inspiring passion for the game, across both days.

“Having the chance to play at a first-class county ground will only encourage the children to continue participating in cricket. That’s why we pushed to hold the events here at Grace Road.

“As a community team, we love holding these events. It was so pleasing to see how their cricket has developed from the sessions we deliver in schools and the feedback we have received has been extremely positive.”

Girls’ Finals Results:

Winners: Avenue Primary (West Leicester)

Runners up: Merrydale Primary (East Leicester)

Third place: St Mary and St Johns Primary (Rutland)

Open Final Results:

Winners: Uppingham CofE Primary (Rutland)

Runners up: Kibworth Primary (Blaby & Harborough)

Third place: Hall Orchard CofE Primary (North Charnwood)