Trafford College 4th in national Table Cricket competition

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Trafford College have a successful year finishing fourth nationally in the Lord’s Taverners Table Cricket Competition.

The College’s successful journey started in March when they visited Emirates Old Trafford and won the first Greater Manchester Schools competition of the year. The group of students developed their skills during a 3 week coaching block, before defeating North Ridge High School in the competition final.

As winners they then progressed to the North West Regional Competition organised by the Lord’s Taverners. The competition saw 10 schools / colleges competing, with winners having the chance to represent the region at the Home of Cricket, Lord’s.

Lead Tutor David Fishwick was keen to tell all that the team had entered with hope rather than expectation, but after breezing through the group stages they found themselves one game away from Lord’s. A crushing victory in the final meant that, for the first time in their history, Trafford College would represent Lancashire and the North West in the National Finals at Lord’s.

Students and staff made the trip to London the night before the finals, this being the first time many of the students had stayed away from home without their parents or carers. A team meal was organised before the team retired to bed in anticipation for an eventful day ahead.

10 Regional winners from across the country were in attendance on Friday 24^th June in the Nursery Pavilion at Lord’s. There were 2 pools and only the group winners would progress so there was pressure on every match. Trafford College started well and easily defeated Suffolk One College in match one. Match two was closer and more controversial, both teams left the table thinking that Trafford College had defeated Ash Field Academy by 5 runs but a count back saw the result changed to a tie. Match three was again close, Trafford College winning by just 2 runs, which meant top spot going into the lunch break.

At lunch the players were taken on a tour of the spectacular press facilities at Lord’s and had their photo taken overlooking the famous ground. After the break, Trafford College needed to avoid defeat in the final pool match but found the task too difficult after losing early wickets, finishing joint top but being pushed into 2^nd place on runs scored. They therefore couldn’t make the final but had the chance to play in the third / fourth play-off.

The playoff proved a game too far and Trafford College were beaten by Oxclose Community Academy. To finish fourth nationally is a fantastic achievement for all involved and the College’s success was recognised by The Lord’s Taverners who presented captain Gareth Howells with the Spirit of Cricket Award for the excellent job he did leading his team throughout the day.

David Fishwick, Trafford College Tutor, said: “The opportunity to represent Lancashire and the North West at Lord’s is a once in a life time opportunity for all of our students, and they have thoroughly enjoyed the trip. This is the first time that many of them have stayed away from home and the event has taught the group so much more than just cricket skills.”

Kay Floyd, of LCCC Foundation, commented: “Trafford College have been attending the LCCC Foundation and Lancashire Cricket Board’s Table Cricket Programme for the past 3 years bringing over new groups of students to learn the sport. This project has been a valuable resource to the students, which they’ve found interesting and exciting. It has enabled them to build their confidence, explore ways of working with each other and new people, and has also helped their maths and communication skills. It’s pleasing to see that the work they have put in has been rewarded.”

Rob Tipping, Disability Officer of the Lancashire Cricket Board, added: “The competition was an excellent showcase for Table Cricket and Trafford College should be very proud of their achievements. The group of players behaved impeccably for the duration of the trip and represented the county and the region well throughout. Special mention has to go to Gareth Howells for winning the Spirit of Cricket Award.”

Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Results

Suffolk One College: 213/7

Trafford College: 273/1

 

Trafford College: 231/6

Ash Field Academy: 231/6

 

The Village School: 255/5

Trafford College: 257/3

 

Trafford College: 204/10

Angmering School: 274/6

 

	P	Won	Lost	Tie	Wickets lost	Wickets taken	Runs For	Runs against	Points
Ash Field Academy	4	2	1	1	18	21	994	954	7
Trafford College	4	2	1	1	20	24	965	973	7
The Village School	4	2	2	0	19	14	1011	1009	6
Angmering School	4	2	2	0	22	28	981	916	6
Suffolk One College	4	1	3	0	21	12	943	1042	3

 

Third / Fourth Place Result

Trafford College: 217/6

Oxclose Community Academy: 247/5

Report courtesy of Lancashire Cricket Board