Over 120 children from five countries competed in the Bavaria Indoor Junior Cricket Championships held on a snowy weekend 7-8 March in Munich and Tegernsee, in Southern Germany. A total of 19 teams competed in four age sections: the Isar Cup (U10s) and Munich Cup (U12s) were held at the European School in Munich; the Bavaria Cup (U14s) at the brand-new European Patent Office sportshall; and the Tegernsee Cup (U22s) was held in the Gymnasium Hall, Tegernsee.

 Teams originated from the powerful Austria CC Vienna club, the Swiss Cricket Association, the British International School Bratislava (BISB) in Slovakia, Prague, Zuoz, Geneva and Stuttgart, as well as hosts Munich and Tegernsee, Germany.
 
This line-up reflects an international youth cricket network in Central Europe which has developed over several years. The geographical position of Munich/Tegernsee means the closest youth cricket is found in neighbouring countries rather than in Germany. Such opportunities are rare in Central Europe, and for many this was their first taste of competitive cricket. By far the most satisfying aspect of the tournaments was the enormous progress made by the youngest children, particularly in the Isar U10 Cup. It was clear from their play on Sunday that valuable experience had been added to their enthusiasm and commitment. It is our hope that this tournament has played a positive role in their cricketing development.

Congratulations go to all the teams with many thanks to all the accompanying families for their unflagging and vocal support. Many thanks go also to the many helpers who ensured the smooth running of the tournament with scoring, umpiring and organisation. Thanks also to Brian Fell, President of the German Cricket Association (DCB), for coming to present the prizes. Extra special thanks go to the Munich parents who put a lot of time and effort into providing excellent and plentiful food and drinks on both days.

Age group reports:

The Isar Cup (U10)
 
31 children in five teams from four countries competed for the inaugural Isar Cup donated by www.SriSai.org. The Swiss national team, Austria Vienna CC, and BISB Bratislava, were joined by two Munich teams. 3,531 runs were scored and 147 wickets were taken in 22 matches. The progress seen in the children from the BISB Bratislava, Austria Vienna and Munich Pumas teams was the most heartening aspect of the tournament.

Saturday's play saw two teams, Switzerland and Munich Leopards, pull away from the field. Consistent all-round performances by the Munich Leopards saw them pull away to an unbeaten record by the evening. Fine batting by BISB Bratislava kept them in the hunt.

Sunday saw continued dominance by the Munich Leopards with Switzerland chasing them hard. Two tense, hard-fought matches between the leaders both went the way of the Munich Leopards to leave them unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Final placings:
1. Munich Leopards 113 pts
2. Switzerland 82 pts
3. BISB Bratislava 73 pts
4. Austria Vienna 32 pts
5. Munich Pumas 9 pts

The Munich Cup (U12)

Over 30 children in five teams from four countries competed for the second Munich Cup donated by www.SriSai.org. Two Swiss national selection teams, Austria Vienna CC, and BISB Bratislava, joined the Munich Tigers. 3,458 runs were scored and 148 wickets were taken in 22 matches.
  
Saturday's play in the U12 Munich Cup saw close-fought matches between all teams. Convincing all-round displays by the Swiss Reds left them overnight leaders ahead of their compatriots, the Swiss Whites. Sunday saw continued dominance by the Swiss Reds power them to victory. As reigning champions from 2008, the Swiss Reds justified their status as favourites in the U12 Munich Cup. They remained unbeaten, but the high bar they have set is quickly being reached by other teams.

Final placings:
1. Swiss Reds 111 pts
2. Swiss Whites 70 pts
3. Munich Tigers 64 pts
4. BISB Bratislava 59 pts
5. Austria Vienna 15 pts

The Bavaria Cup (U14)

Around 30 children in four teams from four countries competed for the third Bavaria Cup donated by www.SriSai.org. The Swiss national team, Austria Vienna CC, and Prague, joined the Munich Lions. This was an 8-a-side, 10-over innings tournament played in the magnificent new sportshall of the European Patent Office, Munich. 2,087 runs were scored and 112 wickets were taken in 12 matches.
  
Saturday's play saw the only tied match, between Prague and the Munich Lions, of the whole weekend. Convincing all-round displays by Switzerland left them overnight leaders ahead of Austria Vienna. Sunday saw continued dominance by Switzerland power them to victory.

Final placings:
1. Switzerland 73 pts
2. Austria Vienna 45 pts
3. Munich Lions 22 pts
4. Prague 17 pts

Tegernsee (U22)

Teams from Geneva, Vienna, Stuttgart and Zuoz joined Tegernsee at the 11th Tegernsee tournament. Lying at the foot of the Alps, Tegernsee was shrouded in deep snow. After driving over 9 hours from Geneva, their captain and man of the tournament said he would come earlier next year to fit in some skiing as well.

The final was played out between Geneva and Austria Vienna. The Genevans batted first and scored 129. The Viennese started well but their run chase come to an end at 96 all out.