“It’s the Final Countdown”

The newly branded ‘Countdown Cricket’ County Competition for 2026 has concluded, with numerous club teams competing in the Under 9 and Under 11 age groups, both mixed and girls only.

The summer of 2026 has been a glorious one, although the ground staff among us may have wished for just a little more rain. Across the county, many young players have picked up a bat and ball and taken their first steps into our beautiful game through the softball cricket format.

This year, the Kent Cricket Foundation has run competitions for young players in 40-ball and 30-ball formats, known as The Countdown 40 and The Countdown 30. These short-format games have encouraged boys and girls in the Under 9 and Under 11 age groups to begin their cricketing journeys.

More than 20 Countdown Cricket festivals have taken place, with clubs hosting fun-filled days for players, parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters. Barbecues, music, food and refreshments have all played a major part in these events, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere while also providing valuable fundraising opportunities for host clubs.

Regional festivals began on the Bank Holiday Monday at the end of May and continued throughout June, July and August.

Countdown Cricket Mixed Finals

On Tuesday 18 August, Upchurch Cricket Club hosted the Mixed Under 9 Finals Day, with six teams qualifying to take part. Catford & Cyphers, Tenterden, Cowdrey, Faversham, Linton Park and Folkestone took to the field in a round-robin league format to determine the finalists.

After a series of closely contested matches, Tenterden and Cowdrey progressed to the final. What a final it proved to be. With the very last ball of the game struck to the boundary, Tenterden secured a dramatic victory and were crowned champions.

Countdown Cricket Girls’ Finals

A week later, it was the girls’ turn, with Marden Cricket Club hosting both the Under 9 and Under 11 Girls Finals Days.

The Under 9 competition featured representatives from West Kent, Holmesdale and Tunbridge Wells, alongside eastern challengers Tenterden and St Lawrence & Highland Court. Following a round-robin stage in which every team played each other, Holmesdale and Tunbridge Wells met in the final. Holmesdale emerged victorious to lift the Under 9 trophy.

In the Under 11 Girls competition, five teams qualified for Finals Day: Marden, Bexley, Linton Park, Bromley and Chestfield. The tournament was played as a round-robin league, with the team finishing on the highest points total crowned champions.

In an incredibly tight competition, two teams finished level on 10 points. Bromley were declared champions, edging out Marden by just eight runs across the entire day.

The Countdown Cricket competitions have provided tremendous fun throughout the summer, and the standard of cricket has been very good.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making these events such special occasions.

As a county, we remain committed to our “Produced by Kent” philosophy. Who knows? One day, we may see some of these young stars wearing Kent colours on the professional stage.