PUPILS from William Howard School had a day to remember last week as they travelled to London to take part in the Lord's Taverners National Table Cricket Finals and met England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes writes Alec McQuarrie.

The Brampton-based school's side were one of ten to compete at Lord's Cricket Ground, for the right to call themselves national champions.

The Lord’s Taverners exists to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities to develop the knowledge, skills, capabilities and confidence required to overcome the challenges of inequality, raise their aspirations and reach their potential.

Teacher Tracey Croucher, 53, was delighted that the students got the chance to see London for the first time. 

She said: "We got to London and spent three hours in Hyde Park, so the students got to experience a bit of being in London. 

"We have travelled a long way. We came down yesterday and set off at seven in the morning. 

"We have seen a few things and had ice cream in the park and paddled in the water, so we had a really lovely time. 

"It's a long few days, but they're really enjoying it, and most of them have never been to London, so just stuff like seeing a taxi or a London bus has left them feeling ecstatic.

"We have travelled a long way. We came down yesterday and set off at seven in the morning." 

Over 100 schools and 1,000 young people with disabilities took part in the county and regional qualifiers to book their place for Finals Day of the competition, now into its 22nd year, which is made possible thanks to the support of Ford, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and the England & Wales Cricket Board.

An adapted form of cricket played on table tennis table, table cricket takes all the aspects of mainstream cricket, providing a more inclusive and accessible form which allows young people with a wide range of disabilities to participate, meet new friends and have fun.

The game not only promotes teamwork and sportsmanship in an enjoyable environment, it also improves life skills such as self-confidence, independence and social integration.

And pupil Jake Thorburn loves every aspect of the game.

He said: "I love practically everything about table cricket. 

"I love the batting. I love the fielding, the bowling and all the other skills I've learnt. 

"I was not able to play during lockdown, and yes, I did miss it, so when I came back, I felt a little bit weird, but then it came back to me. 

"I was excited to play against some of the best players in the country but also very, very, very nervous. 

"I've made lots of friends playing table cricket, it is easy to make friends because you meet so many new people as long as you're nervous about asking questions."

Watching on at Lord's was England wicket-keeper Ben Foakes, as well as Sussex and Southern Vipers captain Georgia Adams. 

And Foakes was delighted to see the sport bringing so many people together.

"I think, especially after what's been going on with COVID-19, this is just a great opportunity to get together,” said Foakes, speaking at the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals where he watched nearly 70 young people with disabilities from 10 schools across the country represent their schools compete for the title of the National Table Cricket Champion 2022.

"I think some of these guys were probably hit the hardest in that isolation and in that lockdown period. 

"So, I just think it's great, everyone being able to get out and enjoy it and enjoying that team aspect of sport that cricket provides. 

"It's been fantastic to see it, and I think it looks like it's going from strength to strength. 

"It's just been awesome."

The Lord’s Taverners impacts the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities – visit www.lordstaverners.org