YOURS Howzat! It’s table cricket contest fun for children

THE Lord’s Taverners recently held its first table cricket tournament for children from special schools at the SSE Swalec.

The final was between Heronsbridge School in Bridgend and Woodlands School in Ely. The winning team, Woodlands School, will represent the region at a national table cricket competition held at Lord’s in June.

The tournament took place as part of a new partnership between the charity and Glamorgan County Cricket Club.

The Lord’s Taverners has invested in the partnership with the club to roll out a programme in special schools to coach pupils in table cricket, giving children the opportunity to play a sport that they would not usually have access to.

Table cricket is played on a table tennis table. Side panels and sliding fielders are placed around the table to create an arena, a small ball and ramp are used to bowl, and a wooden bat enables players to score runs, simulating a game of cricket.

Chairwoman of Lady Taverners Wales Jane John said: “Table cricket is a fantastic version of the game that allows people of all abilities to participate. It was particularly heart-warming to see the children integrating and shaking hands at the end of the tournament, demonstrating the power and value that playing sport has.

“I am delighted that we hosted Wales’ first Table Cricket Tournament at the SSE Swalec and wish Woodlands School luck at the final in Lord’s in June.

“This was the first competition of its kind in the area and it is hoped that it will be even bigger next year,” she added.