Gloucestershire Javelins are the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation’s first disability team, that play in the Super 9s South West Region National Disability League.
The team consists of players with learning and physical disabilities, a few players have been in the team since it started 10 years ago. This was the first year that the team has reached the final, and shows the hard work, dedication shown by all involved from the coach, team members, manager, parents and carers.
The Super 9s League is a 35 over standard cricket competition where competing team play with an incrediball (a softer ball). The league aims to encourage all players to contribute to the game and requires batters to retire at 50 and bowlers to retire once they have taken 3 wickets.
The final between the Javelins and Somerset Disability team was to be the third time they had met this season; both having won one of their previous close match encounters. Both teams were determined to win, and take the Regional South West Super 9s Cup.
The Javelins having lost the toss and were put into bat first. Batting was steady, and with notable performances from James Elliot 51 retired not out, Nathan Ridley 43 and Colin Hancock 7-2-23-1. Javelins posted a score of 222 for 5 at the end of the innings.
Somerset’s chase started slowly, with the Javelins keeping the runs down with excellent fielding throughout. Notable scores from Somerset included James Mayled 41 and Josh Pritchard 51 retired not out with Gloucestershire’s Paul Sealy bowling 7-1-28-2. Matt Bermingham excelled as wicket keeper taking 3 catches in the Final to bring his total for the season to 11 from 6 matches.
Somerset despite a flurry of runs towards the end, finished the innings on 197 for 5.
The Javelins were over the moon, at not only reaching the final for the first time but also to win, against a team that has been dominate over the last few years. Both teams played well, enthusiastically and showed amazing ability during the afternoon, with some great batting and bowling performances, and brilliant fielding.
After the match, a proud Becky Armstrong who coaches the side explained:
“Every single player contributed through the season and on the day. With the hard work, determination and positivity of backing and supporting each other, the win was well and truly deserved. A long time coming and finally their hard work and love of the game and each other paid off. I could not be more proud of the team”
Delighted Gloucestershire captain Dave Smart, said:
“A deserved win for Gloucestershire Javelins against Somerset in the South West final. A joy to captain and play with this group, the team performed brilliantly in a game that was a classic and showed class in the field. A great afternoon and result.”
For more information about the disability cricket, and how you could be involved please contact Jeanette Tate: jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org