This is the second cricket competition to be held in Kosaka and this year the weather was great just like last year.

The participating teams were Kazuno City Hall, Kosaka High School Ski Club, two international teams made up of Akita residents of various nationalities, and our KIS team which several primary school students helped us out with, making a total of five teams.

Last year we played with special Kosaka rules and used baseball foul lines, however this year the  competition was held with the proper rules. Because of time restrictions, the members of each team was cut from eleven to six.

After the KIS President's opening speech and Rowan's explanation, the matches soon got off to a good start. The KIS team played the Kazuno City Hall in the first match but unfortunately were  defeated. After that, the match for 4th place and 5th place was held and with the active primary  school student helpers we were able to get within two points of the opposition. Unfortunately, we  were not able to get any more points. We would like to win it next year.

In the second round the Kazuno City Hall was up against the first international team(Namahage CC), the Kosaka High School Ski Club was up against the second international team (Mongolia) and the finals saw the same teams as last year, the Kazuno City Hall and Kosaka High School Ski Club, battle it off again.

As expected the finals between the two teams who have participated in both our competitions was very entertaining indeed. This year the Kosaka Ski team got even with Kazuno City hall and took 1st place.

After the match, the winning team was presented with a trophy and some Thai canned curry and we encouraged  everyone to participate again next year.

This year as well was played under the blazing sun and  many people got sunburnt. Next year I would like to put  up a tent to offer some shelter away from the sun.

(E.Y)