Pownall Hall School and Alderley Edge Girls’ School both made great contributions to the eighth Hale Barns Kwik Cricket Festival.

They competed against five other Trafford independent primary schools in the Hale Barns Trophy competition.

They played all the other schools in five matches, and took part in a festival that was as enjoyable and exciting as ever, and blessed with glorious sunshine.

Pownall Hall School finished as runners-up to Altrincham Preparatory School, who had shared the trophy with Forest Park School after an exciting tie last year.

Pownall were defeated by 13 runs, but at one stage bowled two overs for just two runs including a wicket maiden.

Only the loss of two wickets in the last two overs made the margin of Altrincham’s victory decisive.

The participation of Alderley Edge School for Girls (pictured) was a new development for the festival. Although they couldn’t field their strongest team, they secured a tie in the last of their five matches.

A school spokesman said: "They took part with boundless enthusiasm and enjoyment, and made a huge contribution to the success of the festival.

"We have no doubt that their success will be just the beginning of the involvement of girls’ teams in the festival. "

The Hale Barns Festival was yet again a great success, with good cricket played in a great spirit, with some big hitting and excellent catches.

The festival was sponsored for the fourth year by Timpsons, for which Hale Barns CC members are grateful.

Their generosity provided caps for all the players, medallions for both finalists, expenses for umpires, and refreshments.