Kwikkies night excitement at Awsworth
by Alan Rowley, 19th June 2004

One of the highlights of the week when my lads were younger was the Kwik Cricket night, so it brought back memories for me as I paid a visit to Awsworth to witness the Erewash Young Cricketers Kwik Cricket League cup competition. Six teams of youngsters, urged on by excited parents, gathered at the South Notts club on Friday night to do battle with plastic bats, stumps and ball.

The Erewash Young Cricketers League is part of the Long Eaton and District Cricket Association and is sponsored by the John Birch Sports Centre. There are five age groups involved, under 17s, under 15s, under 13s, under 11s and Kwik Cricket. The Kwik Cricket League consists of two groups of six teams. Group 1 has teams from Long Eaton, Spondon, Risley and Sandiacre, joined by the Swords and the Stingrays. Group 2 has teams from West Hallam, Breadsall, Ockbrook and Ilkeston together with two teams from Awsworth, the main team and the Stragglers, which consists of all the younger members of the Awsworth squad.

The Awsworth Kwik Cricket squad with sponsor David Robinson

Best turned out prize on the night definitely went to the Awsworth squad, who showed up in their team shirts supplied by sponsor David (Trigger) Robinson. David, who runs Trinity Farm Organics, was at the ground to cheer on the Awsworth lads.

The origins of Kwik Cricket go back some eight years when the game was devised as a substitute for schools cricket which was in rapid decline. Schools no longer had the time, or the facilities, to devote to cricket, so Kwik Cricket was born. The game is played by all ages and both sexes up to 11 year olds.

The youngest player on the night was Awsworth's William Parker who celebrates his FOURTH birthday on Monday. Young William took his place at the crease with the smallest bat available, and despite being bowled, he still enjoyed the night. Watch out for his name on the Awsworth score sheet in years to come!

Ilkeston Rutland Kwik Cricket team

Breadsall Kwik Cricket team

West Hallam White Rose Kwik Cricket team

Favourites to lift the cup going into the evening were Breadsall who are currently unbeaten at the half way stage of the league. Ilkeston, in second place in the league, were expected to push the league leaders hard to avenge an earlier league defeat.

The young Stragglers side were the first to fall, beaten by a far superior Ilkeston side, who were much the stronger. However, this game is not about winning, it's about encouraging youngsters to take up cricket and learn the basics before progressing to hard ball cricket. The kids get a great deal of pleasure from just playing, and win or lose, the youngsters still have a great night.

With Ockbrook failing to show on the night, the number of games was reduced, and with three pitches available on the ground, the competition soon reached the semi-finals. Favourites Breadsall beat Ilkeston in one semi-final, whilst West Hallam proved too strong for the hosts Awsworth. The final will be played later on in the season.

If you would like to take part Kwik Cricket, or you have children who qualify, why not contact your local club to see if they have a side? Everyone gets a bat and a bowl. Alternatively, click one of the links below for more information. I guarantee that the kids and parents will have a lot of fun!

Long Eaton & District Cricket Association | Erewash Young Cricketers League