The performance pan-disability team took on the Lancashire Women last week in the first of what we hope will be an annual fixture.
The D40 team play in the D40 Quest - ECB National Competition and currently sit 2nd in the table ahead of the upcoming clash vs Middlesex who are currently top of the table. To support their preparation and also provide opportunity for a players to showcase their talents a game was organised between the Lancashire Women’s side. In the 40 over game, the D40 team won the toss and decided to bat first, scoring 221 for 8 wickets with contributions from a number of players including 36 from James Dixon and 31 from Luke James.
Pick of the bowlers for Lancashire was Frankie Nicklin. In reply Lancashire’s batters couldn’t get going with just Grace Johnson (36) reaching 30 or more. The wickets and bowling were shared for the D40 side but some economical overs were bowled by James Dixon, Thomas Wilson, Tyler Alister Preece and Mark McDonald. You can view the full scorecard here and also view the rest of the D40 teams fixtures and results: Lancashire Disabled CC (play-cricket.com)
The fixture was full of smiles and enjoyment from both sides, and well received by both sets of coaches:
John Hughes, D40 Coach commented ‘ The game was a great advertisement for both the disability and womens cricket within the County, showing how much both games have improved over recent years. Played in a competitive manner throughout but also in good spirit. A fixture we hope can be included in the calendar on a regular basis going forward and gain support and momentum in the years to come.’
Chris Chambers Lancashire Women’s Coach commented ‘We’re always striving to provide more opportunities for competitive cricket for the Lancashire Women’s team which we got when we played the D40 team. It was a fantastic showcase for womens and disability cricket, showing how the standard has continued to increase each year. We hope this fixture is in our calendar every year and wish the D40 good luck in their remaining fixtures.
Jen Barden Cricket Development Manager ‘This fixture looks like its one that will be repeated year on year, a fantastic showcase for both sides, competitive and enjoyable. I’m pleased that we were able to put this game into the fixture list for this summer, we have seen some incredible developments in the women’s game recently and we hope to continue to grow the disability cricket offer within Lancashire in the coming years.’