County Sports

Oct 8, 2023  •  General

On Sunday 8th October the young farmers gathered at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School for their annual County Sports. On what was an unseasonably warm, autumn day mixed rounders (10 – 12 years), mixed dynamos cricket (13- 15) and mixed volleyball (17 – 28) were played by some extremely competitive teams. 

Kirklinton YFC played a great game of rounders, taking first place against Caldbeck YFC who took a well-deserved second place. The mixed dynamos cricket teams showed great prowess on the astro turf with the combined team of Furness and Lowick YFCs placed 1st.  Eden Valley YFC took a hard-fought 2nd place, with Caldbeck YFC in 3rd place and Kent Estuary YFC placed 4th. 

Although not a sport often played by the young farmers, the mixed volleyball was a great success with all those taking part thoroughly enjoying themselves. Teams showed great skill and determination throughout the day with a triumphant Wigton YFC (C team) taking 1st place. Skelton YFC (A team) took a well-deserved 2nd place and Eden Valley A and Grayrigg YFCs were placed respective 3rd and 4th.

Chief Steward and Southern District President, Phil Slater kept the day on track and certificates were presented to the winning teams by Cumbria YFC County President, Alex Sibbald and County Vice President, John Garnett. Thanks were made to Kirkby Stephen Grammar School for hosting the event and to the following umpires and referees who gave their time so willingly to ensure the day was a great success: Julie Bowker, Evonne Sowerby, John Garnett, Stephen Park, Neil Sowerby, Tracy Hodgson, Alan Barker and William Longmire. 

Thanks also went to stewards Cath Armstrong, Paul Barrow, Elizabeth Barker, Rachel Armstrong, Abigail Graham and Ella Batey who made sure that the teams were in the right place at the right time! Kentdale First Aid kept every one safe and Fell and Dales provided much needed refreshments. Thanks also to Social and Competitions Secretary, Lucy Gibson who placed the judges and stewards for one of the biggest young farmer events in the calendar.

The top 3 teams in each sport will now represent Cumbria at the Northern Area Weekend Sports Finals hosted by Yorkshire YFC on the 3rd March 2023.