Warwickshire’s Disability Access team have been crowned Super 9s champions after they rounded off a flawless campaign with victory in the regional final. They topped the Midlands Division with an unbeaten record before beating Derbyshire Disability CC in the decider at Melborne Town Cricket Club, Derbyshire, on Sunday (20 August).
It’s the first time since 2005 that a Warwickshire disability team – featuring players with both physical and learning disabilities – have lifted a trophy. The Bears set Derbyshire a total of 186/4 from 30 overs with Dean Wattison – who lost a leg in a motorbike collision six years ago – top scoring with 51.
Opener Yasir Ghalib scored 33 and finished the competition as the leading batter on 264 runs. They restricted Derbyshire to 75/7 as Daniel Lamb – the tournament’s leading wicket taker – took his tally to 11 while Roman Pugh took two wickets.
Captain Hannah Pettigrew said: “It’s been a great team effort, I’m really pleased for every one of the squad as everyone has played a part. To top the group was amazing, especially beating Staffordshire who hadn’t lost for 16 matches.
“But the Access team is much more than just cricket. The players have developed a good bond, they support each other, and many players have said how the team has helped them socially, physically and psychologically.
“We now have around 25 players in the squad but we’re always looking for new players of all abilities. I’d encourage people to come down to our of our sessions and give it a go.” The Access team trains every week at Edgbaston’s Indoor Centre and play home league games at Castle Bromwich Cricket Club.
Warwickshire will defend its Super 9s title next year but the Club is also set to enter a side into the national D40 Pursuit disability hard ball league for the first time. Rob Eynon, Warwickshire’s Disability Cricket Officer, said: “Disability cricket is expanding all the time and there have never been more opportunities for people with physical or learning disabilities to get involved with the sport.
“We’re challenging ourselves further next year by entering the national hard ball league, but we also run Super 1s hubs across the region for children and young people (ages 12-25) to get involved in disability cricket. Our aim is to make cricket as accessible as possible to everyone and demonstrate that having a disability is no barrier to taking part in the sport.”
Warwickshire Cricket Board runs beginners Super 1s hubs in Edgbaston, Coventry, Castle Bromwich and Knowle, while there are plans to open further sessions in Sutton Coldfield CC and Warwick.
