YORKSHIRE captain Andrew Gale and England women’s fast bowler Katherine Brunt are urging York primary and junior schools to help the Drax Cup reach its target of 500 teams competing in 2014.

Some 20 schools from the area took part last year and the two cricket stars, who are ambassadors for the Drax Cup, believe the excitement and growing interest in the competition will prompt even more to enter and set a new record. Gale, pictured with Brunt, said: “I first played cricket when I was eight and the Drax Cup is a fantastic way of introducing the game to youngsters.”

Brunt, who returned with the victorious England team last month after retaining the Ashes in Australia, added: “Women’s cricket is stronger than ever and this competition gives girls the chance to get involved and find out just how good the sport is.”

School Sports Partnerships need to enter by Monday, April 28 on the website www.thedraxcup.co.uk