A team from Bishop Auckland College will be playing cricket at Trent Bridge next month – but not quite as you know it!
For the eight-strong team is representing the North-East in the national table cricket finals at the Nottingham test cricket venue.
This version of England’s national sport is played on a table tennis table or similar surface with side panels and sliding fielders, a ball launcher, weighted plastic ball and a wooden bat.
It enables young people with severe physical and learning disabilities to enjoy cricket and represent their school or college on a competitive basis.
Bishop Auckland College entered two teams to take part in the final of the Durham County Community Table Cricket League against East Durham College and Pelton Fell team GOALs at the Indoor School at the Emirates International Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street.
After beating East Durham College in a close final by 270 runs to 261 runs, Bishop Auckland College’s Team B qualified for the national final on December 8th where they will be up against all regional heat winners.
The students on the winning table cricket team have a range of learning difficulties and disabilities and are on the college’s Aspire programme, which offers personalised learning and support plans.
Sue Horsman, course co-ordinator at Bishop Auckland College, said: “The students are exceptionally proud of their success after only five weeks of coaching, and now look forward to competing in the National Final at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.”
