Three weeks after the summer term’s first junior cricket tournament at American Academy Larnaka, the second event held on 10 June at Happy Valley, Episkopi attracted even more aspiring young cricketers. Seven schools were involved, sadly not including Aspire or King Richard from Dhekelia, who had played so well to take the first three places between them at Larnaka.

For this event, staged with the kind help of Episkopi School, there were separate events for boys and girls, organised so that each team played at least two matches during the afternoon.  Twelve teams took part in the boys’ event, while there were seven in the girls’ competition.

A team of volunteer officials from CCA took care of the umpiring and score-keeping, while the teachers tried to keep the children out of the sun until their turn to play.

By the time the semi-final stage was reached, only two of the seven participating schools were not represented – bad luck for The Learning Centre, Peyeia and American Academy, Larnaka – the two who had had the furthest to travel to Happy Valley!

The boys’ semi-finals saw Heritage A defeat Episkopi A while Foleys A beat Silverline B. In the girls’ event Episkopi had mixed fortunes, their A-team beating Akrotiri B while their B-team lost to Foleys A.

And so to the finals, where Foleys gained a double triumph. Their girls A-team comfortably beat Episkopi A by 134 runs to 111. The real drama came in the boys’ final where Foleys A produced a remarkable come-back to beat an unlucky Heritage A with a boundary off the very last ball.

A marvellous end to a full afternoon of sport. Foleys duly collected their medals, and will no doubt be looking to repeat their success next year.

CCA would like to express appreciation for all the young cricketers who participated, their teachers and parents, and the volunteer helpers who ensured the day was a success.