Final countdown

7 July 2008

England and Nottinghamshire fast bowler Stuart Broad umpires during May's launch

Sixteen girls teams from all over Great Britain will battle it out on Tuesday for the title of ASDA Kwik Cricket national champions.

The school sides, which include Ladyloan in Scotland and Waringstown from Northern Ireland, will meet at Kibworth Cricket Club in Leicestershire after winning their regional events.

Teams will be divided into four groups with the winners meeting in the semi-finals. The sides that emerge victorious will then contest the final which concludes the day.

England star Stuart Broad, the face of Kwik Cricket, used to play the special form of the game as a youngster and was present when the competition was launched in May.

"By reaching the ASDA Kwik Cricket national final everyone has proved themselves to be amongst the most accomplished young cricketers in the country for their age," said the all-rounder.

"Every international cricketer, like myself, had to begin somewhere and I'm sure that there are some faces for the future playing.

The number of kids playing Kwik Cricket, like Broad did, has risen dramatically in recent years

"This competition is great as it introduces the essentials of being a first-class cricketer, from teamwork and technique to a healthy lifestyle, but most of all having fun."

Each school is permitted a squad of 10 players for the event although only eight will be able to play in each match.

ASDA Kwik Cricket 2008 saw a 23 per cent rise in teams taking part than last year and a phenomenal increase in girls taking part, up 97 per cent on last year with over 25,000 girls aged seven to 11 registered to take part.

The boy's competition, which will be played at Grace Road, is next Monday.