Devon Cricket Board - Great day out for Devon at table cricket final

Great day out for Devon at table cricket final

A TEAM of table cricketers from Dawlish had a VIP day out at Trent Bridge for the Community National Finals.

Table cricket – played on a table-tennis table with a mini bat and ball – has been around for about 20 years. It originated at Trent University in Nottingham and can be played by people with learning and physical disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy Sport put funding in place this year for a county tournament for the disabled and the finals took place at the Trent Bridge Test match ground in Nottingham

Devon’s team was largely drawn from Oakwood Court College in Dawlish and comprised Chad Lobb, Charlie Welsh, Lewis Mawford, Eleanor Dance, Hannah Best and Grant Cox.

The team was selected following a qualifying tournament in Exeter.

Although the Devon team didn’t win the competition, Rob Edwards from Oakwood Court said it was a marvellous experience for all of them.

“They were certainly at a disadvantage due to the lack of match practice,” said Edwards.

“Most of the teams play weekly so, all things considered, they did very well.

“If we had a few practice sessions before the tournament next time I am sure we would significantly better.

“More importantly for me from a learning experience, the students have had an experience that will live with them for the rest of their lives.”

Paul Gray, one of the team managers, said there were VIP perks as well for the players.

“Each team had a VIP box with a balcony looking out on the pitch, so we were sunning ourselves between games,” he said.

“Devon can be proud of the players they all played and acted in a professional way.

“Each player got a medal. I think with a little more practice we could have won several of the games.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773