Bradley Stoke and Severn Vale schools emerged victorious, becoming the Gloucestershire representatives in the National Table Cricket competition.
The South competition was the first to take place at Blaise High School in Bristol. Five sides took part in a round-robin format before a final between the two teams that topped the table. The sides competing for a place in the final were: Culverhill School, Warmley Park School, Bradley Stoke Community School, and a Year 8 and Year 11 side from the hosts, Blaise High School.
A few days later, the schools in the North of the county travelled to the University of Gloucestershire to play for their place in the National finals.
High School Leckhampton, The Shrubberies school, Belmont school, Bettridge school, Severn Vale School, Heart of the Forest School, and The Milestone school made up a seven-strong field of teams.
Across two days of competition, it was fantastic to see so many young people getting the opportunity to try a different type of cricket. A more accessible form of cricket.
What is table cricket?
Table cricket is a six-a-side version of cricket. As the game suggests, it is played on a table with five fielders and a bowler. Barriers around the table have a run value assigned when hit with the ball by the batter.
Every player takes turns to bowl and bat, with the team scoring the most runs winning. The fielding side has a sliding panel to prevent run scoring and to take wickets. Losing a wicket results in 5 runs being taken from the total.
It is an inclusive version of cricket that allows people with disabilities to take part. Both the North and South groups brought together SEND schools and regular schools with disabled students.
Mr Peach from Blaise High School talked about how table cricket has impacted his students. “ They’ve [the children] absolutely loved it and that they love meeting the people for them, the fixtures and tournaments have been incredible because they don’t get the opportunity to mix with other schools, so actually the social side of it. Where they’re having to interact with other schools has, has been something that’s really helped their confidence.
“ So we’ve got ones [students] who have been doing scoring and it, and it’s helped their maths. It’s helped their handwriting when they have to do the scoring and write down people’s names, remembering how to spell them.
And just their decision-making. So when they’re put on the spot as an umpire, and they have to decide, was that two, is it four, is it out? It’s just, it’s just really helped them.”
More than just for the players
To help support the GCF team and the schools in running the events, there were young leaders. The young leader programme is aimed at helping students grow in confidence and learn new skills.
During the competitions, the young leaders led the way with umpiring and scoring the matches. The South event had young leaders from Blaise High School, Culverhill, and Bradley Stoke Community School.
Alderman Knight School provided young leaders for the North event. Their PE Lead, Stefan Hunt, explains what the programme does for the people enrolled.
“ The aim is to come to these events to help support and officiate. The things which we look for in our pupils and students is to gain some independence and confidence. We run this alongside our Sports Leaders Award.
Actually, it’s really important for them to learn how to communicate effectively, verbal and nonverbal communication, and how they are around the younger people.
You see them grow throughout. It is brilliant.”
Darcy is a young leader from Blaise High School and can see the benefit of the programme. “Scoring and umpiring has helped me a lot with maths, my handwriting, and my confidence.
“I enjoy umpiring the most. I like the hand gestures.”
Programmes like Young Leaders and access to events like table cricket are vital for people who may not be able to take part in traditional forms of the game. If you’d like to learn more, then visit the disability section of our website or contact Jeanette.
