Scotland side prove they have ‘No Limits’ in Wales

Keen cricketers from Crieff and Comrie were part of a Scotland side which flew the flag for the country at a recent disability tournament.

The‘No Limits’Scotland team travelled to Colwyn Bay in Wales to compete in a Tri Nations tournament against sides from England and the host nation, organised and run by the Cricket Federation for Players with Disabilities (CFPD).

The body was formed to give people with mixed disabilities the opportunity to play cricket and develop their potential.

Scotland played Wales in the first paired game of the event.

‘No Limits’won the toss and elected to bowl first in good conditions.

Some good bowling and fielding performances restricted Wales to 299 runs.

In reply, Scotland performed admirably with the bat and managed to finish their innings on 340.

The second fixture for Scotland saw them take on a strong England side. The team from south of the border won the toss and elected to bat.

With some hard hitting, England took advantage of some tiredness in the Scottish ranks to record a score of 288.

The close encounter entered its final over with Scotland needing to notch 10 runs from the remaining six balls.

A good couple of deliveries and some effective running meant Scotland needed one off the last ball and a clip to leg saw Scotland get over the line and win.

Assistant coach Marion Ward said that she was proud of a team which again showed a lot of spirit.

She continued:“For some of our guys this is an experience of a lifetime. The opportunities that are given by the CFPD and the commitment of the Live Active Cricket team have made this event the highlight of the year.”

CFPD chairman Steven Farmer was delighted to welcome Scotland to Wales and noted how much the team has developed over recent years.

He said:“Scotland surprised everyone with their excellent performances, showing real resilience and defiance.

“The way the team played and embraced the whole experience is a real credit to the great work that has been going on in Perth and we are thoroughly looking forward to the return leg in Scotland later this year.”

Disability cricket sessions are held every Monday morning at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, delivered through a partnership between Live Active Leisure (LAL) and St Johnstone FC-backed charity trust Saints in the Community.

Led by Richard Rennie, LAL’s cricket development officer, the players train and have the opportunity to develop their skills in an environment in which they feel comfortable.

For Richard, this is one of the highlights of his busy cricketing week.

He said:“Seeing players smile and improve through the use of sport is why we, as coaches, get involved.

“The group we get to work with are inspirational and are always improving, week by week.”

Next up for the team will be their home tournament, which takes place at Bell’s Sports Centre on November 11.