Table-toppers Wilson Stuart win Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals

Lord’s has staged plenty of nail-biting finishes over the years, and that’s what players and supporters were treated to last Friday at the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals.

Wilson Stuart School from Birmingham posted a handy 258 in the final against Ulverston Victoria High School from the Cumbrian market town – and their total proved just enough as they squeezed home by 10 runs.

“It feels amazing to be national table cricket champions,” said Shawn Brittle, captain of the Wilson Stuart team, after they emerged triumphant at the Nursery Pavilion. “I’m extremely proud and couldn’t have asked for a better team. I knew we had it in us. It was just about being confident and believing in ourselves, and we did that.”

In 2017, more than 300 schools took part in the competition, now in its 19th year. Ten teams made it to the finals after winning their regional competitions at iconic venues such as Headingley, Edgbaston and Old Trafford.

Almost 100 disabled young people took part, and Brittle spoke for all when he told of what the game of table cricket has done for him. “I’ve been playing for three years and it has helped me build relationships and friendships with team-mates,” he said. “I just love playing the game.”

Table cricket is supported by Ford and players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, and is one of two disability cricket programmes delivered by the Lord’s Taverners charity.

Now played in schools across the country, it involves a table tennis table, or similar surface area, side panels with sliding fielders, a ball launcher, a plastic ball and a wooden bat to simulate a game of cricket.

The emphasis is on teamwork and sportsmanship in an informal and enjoyable environment – as Ian Martin, head of disability cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, can testify.

“Table cricket provides an opportunity to compete and have fun, regardless of disability,” he said. “Every year it just gets better and better, and you can sense the excitement and enjoyment that everyone gets from playing the game.” 

Giving young people a sporting chance

The Lord’s Taverners is the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity, and is dedicated to giving disadvantaged and disabled young people a sporting chance. 

To donate £5 to the Lord’s Taverners, text TAVS17 £5 to 70070 (texts will be charged at standard network rate). For more information or to donate online, visit lordstaverners.org