Cambian Whinfell School are determined to avenge last year’s final defeat and come back with the trophy at the 2024 National Table Cricket Finals Day.

The Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket competition sees disabled young people representing schools from across the country battle it out for what for some will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Finals Day.

Table cricket is an adapted version of the traditional game, played on a table tennis table, and is much more accessible to young people living with physical or learning disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, who may otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in sport.

Making the trip from Cumbria to London on Thursday 27 June for Finals Day at Lord’s, Head of Education Michelle Turner said that, despite the long journey that awaits them, the students are very excited.

“They’re absolutely thrilled to have made it to the final again,” she said. “They made it to the final last year and didn't win so they’re quite determined this year to come back with the trophy.

“They were within touching distance, so they’re absolutely made up to have another shot this year. They’ve worked really hard all year round for this.

“They know where they’re going next week and know that Lord’s is a really important place.

“For them to go there and be a part of something that feels really important to them and have some real success in it is really good.

“We couldn’t be any further away from London, and going to a big city can cause anxiety for the boys with new sights and new smells.

“They are so excited to get there. Last year, there were some famous cricketers there, so they’re hoping  to see some more this year.”

Cambian Whinfell is a small school of 10 teenage boys. While only five students are going to Lord’s, all students play table cricket, a sport that Turner believes has given them a lot of confidence.

(Image: Cambian Whinfell)

“They celebrate personal successes and team successes which gives them so much confidence. As a small school, it’s nice for them to mix with other people and have competition with other schools.

“They are very competitive - that’s teenage boys for you!”

Much of the Lord’s Taverners work in cricket for young people with disabilities is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by the Postcode Active Trust, in addition to support from the ECB and Sport England.

And after making the final last year, Cambian Whinfell were given the equipment which meant they could play whenever they wanted, which Turner said has added to the boys’ enthusiasm for the sport.

“Having our own table has made a really big difference,” she said. “We can get it out whenever we want now.

“We have after school clubs and have also added some extra training into our PE lessons. We crack the table out whenever we can.”

The Lord’s Taverners impacts the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities – visit www.lordstaverners.org