William Ransom Primary School in Hitchin won the district round of the ASDA Primary Schools Kwik Cricket tournament for the seventh time in a row. Having been postponed from the previous week, the number of teams competing had reduced, but there were sti

William Ransom Primary School in Hitchin won the district round of the ASDA Primary Schools' Kwik Cricket tournament for the seventh time in a row.

Having been postponed from the previous week, the number of teams competing had reduced, but there were still 15 schools vying for a place in the county finals last Tuesday.

The school, national champions in 2006, has close links with both Letchworth and Hitchin cricket clubs. William Ransom make use of coaches from both clubs to help with practices in which more than 50 pupils develop their skills.

Two teams from the school were playing in this tournament.

The school's A team had two group games, beating a depleted Pixmore team in game one, in which Oliver Payne bowled a five-wicket maiden to set the tone for the day, and then St Christopher School in the second league game.

This set up a semi-final with their good friends Sandon School and some excellent batting and accurate bowling saw them win by 162 runs and earn a place in the final.

The B team, generally made up of younger pupils, had a slightly tougher league, but still won their three group games to meet Codicote in the semi-final.

A win would see them meet their A team in the final and Kieran McQue and Spencer Ryan ended the innings with some excellent batting to secure a 79-run win.

The final between the two William Ransom teams went according to form and the A team won by 32 runs - still the closest result of the day.

The A team will now compete at the county finals at Shenley on June 30. It is hoped that the B team may get an invite to take part, depending upon the number of schools put through from the other districts.

Steve Mills, assistant head and PE teacher, said: "We are very fortunate to have such talented athletes, and such hard-working pupils.

"They regularly attend practices and listen carefully to what they are taught. Many of the pupils taking part were involved in the national lacrosse finals last Sunday.