Grasmere School’s girls were narrowly denied victory in the final London Youth Games Kwik Cricket competition by a final over rally from Teddington’s Collis Primary.

Having seen off the challenge from Old Bexley, Keston and Bessemer Grange schools, the Grasmere girls were level pegging going into the last over of the final at Regent’s Park.

However, Collis produced two decisive sixes to reach 269 runs and earn themselves a 17-run victory.

Despite the defeat, the result was enough to send the Albion Road school through to the regional rounds of the nationwide Kwik Cricket tournament.

“To come second is a real achievement for these girls who have only started this season. I’m very proud of the girls,” said Grasmere team manager Daniel McFarlane.

“We’re looking forward to the regionals now – this will be the first time girls from our school have got that far, so it’s a great achievement. The girls have worked very hard and we’re very proud.”

Former England paceman Angus Fraser, the managing director of cricket at Middlesex CCC, who helped to organise the event, was full of praise for the growing girls’ game.

“It’s become very popular,” he said. “When I was coming through there was very little girls’ cricket being played. But it’s now one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

“I think it’s one of those sports that lends itself to young girls playing. There is a good level skill and you can spend some good time out in the summer playing it.

“Hopefully a lot of girls here will have enjoyed their day and it’s something they will look to continue and join their local clubs. That can only be good for the sport.”

To find out more about competing or volunteering at London Youth Games, visit www.londonyouthgames.org or follow @ldnyouthgames on Twitter.