Fielding proved decisive in the secondary schools' inter-cricket finals at Park Avenue.

"The under-12s went very well," said Richard Nichols, the Partnership Development Manager for the West Bradford School Sports Partnership.

"Oakbank were the stand-out side for their all-round teamwork. They were unbeaten, winning all four games, and were a good fielding side, but the runners-up Grange won three out of four and competed very well."

The story wasn't much different at under-14 level, which also involved five teams.

St Bede's were the winners in this age group, with Greenhead the runners-up.

"Again it was the fielding that made the difference, and particularly the catching" said Mr Nichols, a former Bradford & Bingley player who is now skippering Lightcliffe in the Bradford League Second Division.

"St Bede's played particularly well as a team and narrowly beat Grange, who were runners-up."

Tomorrow the action will again be at Bradford's famous old ground from 12.30pm to 4.30pm but this time the age groups playing their finals are under-13s and under-15s, with five teams in each section.

Partners for the finals were Bradford Council's Sport and Leisure Services via their b-active' campaign and the Yorkshire Cricket Board.

It is hoped that Asda will provide Nutri Grain bars and juice, as they did for the under-12 and under-14 finals.

Nichols is also involved with a Year Five competition which is running at Thornton Cricket Club and dates are expected soon for the hardball finals, as the Avenue finals involved using a soft ball.

Asda have also been backing the Saltaire Primary Schools' Cricket Festival at Roberts Park, Saltaire.

Ten schools were involved in this as a follow-on to coaching sessions which introduced the sport to children in the West Bradford area.