Cricket: Kids get taste of international cricket

St Thomas More batsman Brayden Palmer hits a boundary during the Mini World Cup played at Blake Park on Wednesday. Photo / John Borren

New Zealand and South Africa cricket teams clashed again at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval on Wednesday.

A few weeks after the Black Caps and Proteas played two ODIs at the arena, the two teams were part of 16 nations represented by the best primary schools cricketers at the annual Western Bay Mini World Cup organised by Bay Cricket.

But Gate Pa Primary (New Zealand) and Tauranga Primary (South Africa) were thwarted by St Mary's Catholic School (England), who took out the title for the fifth time since the tournament began in 2004.

Paul Wills, who helps out with coaching at St Mary's, says the cricket culture at the school means the kids like playing the game.

"Parents and teachers who are passionate about the game have helped out over the years," he said.

"Kelly Lowe, the sports co-ordinator, does a great job, and the kids enjoy it. That's the main thing."

Greenpark School sports co-ordinator Darren Leef said the recent internationals featuring the Black Caps had heightened interest in cricket, and the Mini World Cup had been eagerly anticipated.

"It started 11 years ago and it is always hard to get a team in," Leef said. "Initially it was for Year 5/6 boys but now they have branched out to have a carnival day for girls only, with similar numbers of teams, and I hear they are looking at broadening that to Year 3/4.

"That means more kids coming through and more kids playing senior cricket by the end of it. The bigger the base the more players you should have at the end of it."

Bay of Plenty Cricket cricket manager Tai Bridgman-Raison said the Mini World Cup was not just about giving kids a fun experience.

"We try to encourage the kids to get behind the country they are representing," he said. "It makes it extra special with the World Cup coming up in February/March. We give the kids a quiz on their host country so it is not just the cricket but some learning as well."

The individual highlight of the day was a hat-trick by Ronak Mani from the Greenpark 2 team.

Western Bay of Plenty Mini World Cup results

*Championship final: England (St Mary's) 112 defeated South Africa (Tauranga Primary) 84.
*Third place playoff: Pakistan (Greenpark School) 138 defeated Afghanistan (Papamoa Primary) 104.
*Best uniform: Pillans Point.
*Sportsmanship Award: Gate Pa School.