Young Cricketers Grace the Hallowed Turf in Annual Tournament
The Kia Oval once again opened its gates to the stars of tomorrow on Friday, May 9th, for the annual Lambeth Bash, a vibrant cricket competition designed to engage and inspire local primary school children. This popular event, now in its fourth year, offers Year 5 and 6 pupils the unique opportunity to play on the hallowed turf of the international cricket ground.
Fourteen primary schools from Lambeth, including local favourites like St. Marks Vauxhall, Ashmole, and Reay Primary Schools, participated in the Dynamos cricket format. This exciting 8-a-side game, with 40 balls per team and pairs batting, provided a fast-paced and inclusive experience for all the young cricketers.
Beyond the thrill of the competition, the day offered an immersive experience for students, teachers, and parents alike. Participants enjoyed fantastic tours of The Oval, guided by knowledgeable experts who shared insights into the ground’s rich history. Highlights included a visit to the newly refurbished museum, a breathtaking view from the Pavilion balcony, and an exclusive peek into the new players’ dressing rooms.
The grand final, played out in front of the historic Pavilion, saw a thrilling contest between Clapham Manor and Heathbrook Primary Schools. Both schools have benefited from regular cricket coaching through the Surrey Cricket Foundation’s Chance to Shine partnership. In a nail-biting finish that went down to the very last ball, Clapham Manor’s captain scored the winning runs, successfully defending their 2024 title!
Both Clapham Manor and Heathbrook will now represent Lambeth in the London Year 6 competition finals day, scheduled to be held at Old Ruts CC in July.
The Surrey Cricket Foundation extends a huge thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a resounding success. Special appreciation goes to key Lambeth partners ACE, the sports department team from Lambeth Council, and all the dedicated staff and volunteers from the participating schools whose hard work ensured a memorable day for all.
Children and staff from Clapham Manor and Heathbrook Primary Schools.
