Newham Knights streetchance cricket juniors

Newham excel in the sport of StreetChance Cricket

Newham Knights streetchance cricket seniors

Newham Knights picked up national honours last week after the junior side returned from Birmingham as national StreetChance cricket champions.

And it was so nearly a double for the borough as the senior team also made the final, but came up just short against reigning champions Manchester Lightning on countback.

Teams from across the country descended on the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham to compete in the intercity summer holiday tournament, where almost 90 boys and girls took part in the six-a-side event.

‘StreetChance’ uses a fast-paced version of the game played with a tape ball – a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape – that lasts for 20 minutes and gives every played the opportunity to bat, bowl and field.

After a series of round-robin matches, the junior Newham Knights side faced Birmingham Bashers in the final, having maintained a splendid unbeaten record through the earlier rounds.

Birmingham notched up 44-3 from their time at the crease, but Newham reached the target without losing a wicket.

The senior tournament saw Newham in the finals again, with their older team taking the stage this time, coming head-to-head with Manchester Lightning, the reigning champions.

And in a tight and tense final, both teams finished on 41 runs without the loss of a wicket.

But because of their faultless performance throughout the tournament, Lightning held on to the Trophy once more.

StreetChance coach of both the Newham junior and senior teams, Donovan Miller said: “I’m really proud of my boys, they’ve worked so hard for this tournament. They came up against some pretty tough teams, but didn’t let this distract them from their game.”

Sessions in Newham are held at Newham Leisure Centre on Thursdays between 4-6pm and for further details contact Miller on donmiller@cricketforchange.org.uk or visit www.streetchance.org.