A total of 19 schools took part on Wednesday, in the festival designed to introduce kids to the game, and also to familiarise them with local clubs.

Wednesday's event, for schoolchildren in year six, was the third in recent weeks. Horsham Trinity hosted the year six girls' festival, and Barns Green played host to years four and five .

Horsham District Council's John Burroughs, of the Community Cricket and Sports Development Team, remarked: "I would honestly say this is the biggest of these tournaments in the county.

"It has got to say a lot for cricket in Horsham. It's a fun way to get into the game and everyone gets a chance to bat."

And organisers were hoping the children might be inspired by playing at the home ground of Horsham cricketers Will Beer, Andrew Hodd and Chris Nash - all of whom are playing for Sussex against Australia this week.
"Chris Nash played in this for Heron Way," John added.

Greenway and Itchingfield progressed through to finals day next week at the Sussex Academy at Blackstone, near Brighton. They will be joined by Southwater and Heron Way from the girls' festival, plus Shelley and Greenway from the year four and five event.

Each team played five games and semi finalists were decided at the end of a group stage. "I have seen some incredible players here," John remarked. "And there have been some great girls as well."