Howzat for a sporting success!

The Beech Academy, Mansfield, won a table cricket tournament at the Lee Westwood Sports Centre, Nottingham Trent University, defeating another Mansfield school, Redgate, in the final.

The event was organised by the Belvoir Cricket And Countryside Trust in association with the Lord’s Taverners and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Board.

Games were played on a converted table tennis table, allowing youngsters in chairs to participate.

Side panels and sliding fielders were placed around the table to create an arena. A small ball and ramp were used to bowl, and a bat enabled players to score runs, all simulating a game of cricket.

Eight schools took part and were coached for six weeks, led by former Nottinghamshire player Darren Bicknell and volunteers.

Darren said: “It’s all about giving youngsters with disabilities the chance to participate in sport and play competitively.

“Each school played five games on a round-robin basis with the emphasis on fun and teamwork. All 80 children had a fantastic day and were presented with a Lord Taverner’s signed certificate. They did their schools proud.”

Among the other schools in the competition were King Edwin Primary, Edwinstowe, and Bracken Hill, Kirkby.