Stormont witnessed another piece of history on the 6th June as the first ever Northern Ireland all girl Asda Kwik Cricket Finals was held at the Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Grounds, Stormont Estate.

Despite competing with the weather conditions and busy school schedules, four teams; Brooklands Primary, Wallace Prep, Artigarvan Primary and Newbuildings Primary battled it out for the chance to play in the RSA Kwik Cricket Challenge during the upcoming Ireland versus Australia ODI cricket match on the 23rd June.

Newbuildings came out the eventual winners in an unbelievably close finish, winning by just one run against Artigarvan. Artigarvan made 244 runs and Newbuildings just pipped them to the post with 245 runs. However, as finalists both teams will now play each other  during the interval of the Ireland versus Australia ODI cricket match.

The event which was coordinated by Irish Cricket International and Northern Cricket Unions Cricket Development Officer, Nigel Jones said after the final: “Today has been a real step forward for girls Cricket here in Northern Ireland, to see the enjoyment and skill on display is really encouraging for us all involved. This day hasn’t been about numbers or results, it’s been about awareness and creating opportunity for our young girl Cricketers - it’s all about having fun through participation! Once again Asda’s support has been fantastic and they continue to be a real driving force behind increasing the exposure of the game both across boys and girls Kwik Cricket development stages.  The general feedback from schools about such a day has been greatly received, however this year we were up against it with the weather, schools timetables and Jubilee week.  Thanks must go to Wallace Prep, Brooklands, Artigarvan and Newbuildings Primary for making today such a great success and the starting point on which we must build upon.  And with that said I have already had 6 primary schools interested in entering next year’s finals day that were unable to make this years, this type of response is very pleasing and I look forward to assisting schools in making the trip up to Stormont for 2013!"

The finals day which was enjoyed by over 40 participants, coaches and fans all who enjoyed refreshments provided by Asda.

The first all girl Asda KWIK Cricket final held in Northern Ireland marks another huge step in further developing the game in Northern Ireland.

Following today’s hugely successful final the Northern Ireland Asda KWIK Cricket finals will take place on Friday 8 June, at the Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Grounds.

For further information regarding Northern Ireland Asda KWIK Cricket Finals Day(s), please contact Nigel Jones, Northern Cricket Unions Development Officer on either, nigel.jones@cricketireland.ie or 078 7941 6121.