CRICKET hit the streets of Worcester as the annual Worcestershire Street Sixes competition took place.

The competition, run by Worcestershire Cricket, saw 18 teams from businesses across the city take part to raise money for charity in games of street cricket.

The games, played by teams of six, took place in enclosures with two points scored for hitting the side and six for hitting the barrier at the other end from the batsman.

Crowds turned out to watch the games, which were held in Cathedral Square and in-front of the Guildhall, and each team raised money for the community projects led by Worcestershire County Cricket Club, including the Wicketz programme to bring cricket to deprived areas, and the women’s softball cricket, designed to increase participation in the game.

The cup final was contested by the Worcester News team, and the team from Blackpole-based logistics firm AMCO.

AMCO was the worthy winners in the final, chasing down the Worcester News total with ease.

Worcester News skipper Dale Godliman said: “I’m so proud of how well our team did, especially given that we were largely represented by non-cricketers and that it was our first stab at Street Cricket. The day was such good fun, the sun gods were shining down on us and the organisers did an outstanding job of making everything run like clockwork. We will be looking for some warm weather winter training venues, to hone our skills ahead of returning next year.” The Plate final was won by Sanctuary Group, who beat Worcester City Council in the final. The Spoon final was won by the Worcestershire Ambassadors Lions team.

Tom Raymond-Hill, from Worcestershire Cricket, said: "In our fourth year of Street6s we were delighted by the community spirit created by the 18 businesses who entered this year’s competition.

"Playing in front of Worcester’s iconic cathedral proved the perfect backdrop for the teams taking part.

"The event wouldn’t have been possible without the sponsorship of Worcestershire ambassadors, marketing support from Modus and the team at Worcester City Council and Ringway who kindly provided the barriers.

"Police, volunteering in their own time supported the event by way of umpiring and scoring and local businesses in Cathedral Square all supported by making teams welcome and providing discounts to volunteers and teams alike.

"In addition Youthcomm were our radio partner and created the festival atmosphere throughout the day with over 200 people on the High Street on what would ordinarily be a quiet Monday afternoon.

"LocaliQ provided excellent coverage of the event in local press and online as well as narrowly missing out on winning the Cup competition to AMCO.

"Members of the public could also try their batting skills on a Batfast simulator showing that cricket really is a game for everyone."

A final thanks to the local businesses who supported the event, allowing staff time away from the office to raise funds for the Worcestershire Cobham Cricket Trust.