Champions are crowned

First introduced by Cricket Victoria in 1998, the Kanga8s state-wide competition consists of two divisions, both boys and girls, is a modified version of the game which pits teams from grade 5 and 6 against each other.

In conjunction with School Sport Victoria, Cricket Victoria continues to provide high-quality cricket experiences to primary schools across the state with 1738 boys’ teams and 1177 girls’ teams competing throughout the 2011 competition.

The Kanga8s state finals commenced with all 16 schools competing in three matches.

 At the end of those matches, the two teams with the most points from the respective divisions advanced through to the finals.

For the boys, Kennington Primary School was crowned state champions after solidly defeating Karoo, 237-85.  

In the girls’ division, Balnarring Primary School beat Maroona Primary School, 171-36, to claim the spoils.

However, win or lose most schools were excited at the chance of playing on the MCG, especially those who travelled long distance.

“We are a little school just out of Ararat, with only 27 students in the whole school,” Maroona Primary School Peter Waterman said.

“It’s really just an exciting day for the girls and a great chance for them to be on a great place like the MCG.”

Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit captain Emma Inglis was in attendance to hand out medals and trophies and was impressed with the talent on display.  

“It’s great to be here today and see so many young people out on the MCG,” Inglis said.  

“I saw some very talented individuals out there and I encourage them to keep going with their cricket and to keep enjoying it.”

Following today’s victories both Kennington Primary School and Balnarring Primary School were rewarded with a laptop computer.

Story kindly provided to Cricket Victoria by Sarah Carpinteri.