Aware of the difficulties state secondary schools face in trying to establish hardball cricket, such as safe playing areas, the nature of traditional cricket, transport, equipment, staff time and expertise being the main deterrents, The R66T Academy and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation devised an entry-level (Year 7) hardball competition that we had hoped would overcome some of these barriers and make hardball cricket an attractive option for schools without a full cricket programme. Our partnership with SHAPE Learning from Chesterfield will also be contributing to the tournament in 2026.
The Nature of Cricket
Teachers are often concerned that traditional rules of cricket exclude some young players and that matches can be dominated by elite performers, restricting opportunities for others. Our 10-aside pairs rules, based on Dynamos Cricket, are inclusive. Everyone bats and bowls with pairs batting for 3 overs. This format bridges the gap between pairs softball cricket and the more traditional secondary school age limited over hardball competitions. Furthermore, players with experience of hardball club cricket are paired with novices when they bat. They are expected to coach and encourage as well as to signpost the new players to the local clubs they play at.
Staff Expertise
Staff who have little cricket experience have found the R66T 2 Hardball rules very easy to understand and operate. Furthermore, where funding and staffing have allowed, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, SHAPE Learning and The R66T Academy have been able to link local coaches to the schools.
Time & Transport
Time for teachers has become increasingly sparse due to their busy schedules so to control this, matches where 5 pairs bat for 3 overs each will be completed within 1.5 hours. Efficiently, no scorebook is required as the ECB Countdown Scoring App on phones is used. By doing so, this provides a much simpler and time-efficient experience for the teachers.
Where schools do not have minibuses and have to hire transport, competition organisers have created match days or afternoons where several games can be played at once. Thus, it reduces the number of times schools need to pay for transport.
Equipment
Where schools experience issues with pads, helmets, and bats, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation has been able to help via their Cric-Kit recycling project. The SHAPE Learning Partnership has a stock of playing equipment and loans this to their schools wherever required. The R66T Academy has provided match balls to schools and offers discounts for equipment.
Playing Areas
In the event of schools not having a cricket facility, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation has been highly proactive in helping schools find facilities at local clubs. Clubs have proved very keen to support matches and to welcome schools to their facilities.
This year, 20 schools will battle it out in Yorkshire for the last four final places, and four Chesterfield secondary schools will compete in a North East Derbyshire event organised by our partners, SHAPE Learning. The venues are yet to be decided, but they will be a treat for all concerned.
If your district or school is interested in being involved in a R66T 2 Hardball event, please get in touch with nick@r66t.co.uk for more details or enquire here.