Pupils from Greenfield School had a day to remember last week as they travelled to London to take part in the Lord's Taverners National Table Cricket Finals and met England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes writes Alec McQuarrie.

The Merthyr Tydfil-based school's side were one of ten teams to compete in the Finals at Lord's Cricket Ground.

The Lord’s Taverners exists to positively impact 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 to develop the knowledge, skills, capabilities and confidence required to overcome the challenges of inequality, raise their aspirations and reach their potential.

Teacher Matthew Yapp, 30, was happy to see his students being rewarded for all their practice and hard work. 

He said: "It's a wonderful experience for the students and a great opportunity for me and the school as well. 

"They just practice every week, and then obviously we have competitions with the other schools, and we have managed to make it to regionals. 

"The students were excited when they won at regionals, obviously to be coming down to London, it's a great opportunity. 

"They had the chance to see Hyde Park yesterday, and they also got a McDonald's."

Over 100 schools and 1,000 young people with disabilities took part in the county and regional qualifiers to book their place for Finals Day of the competition, now into its 22nd year, which is made possible thanks to the support of Ford, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and the England & Wales Cricket Board.

An adapted form of cricket played on table tennis table, table cricket takes all the aspects of mainstream cricket, providing a more inclusive and accessible form which allows young people with a wide range of disabilities to participate, meet new friends and have fun.

The game not only promotes teamwork and sportsmanship in an enjoyable environment, it also improves life skills such as self-confidence, independence and social integration.

Pupil Jayden Griffiths, 12, also emphasised the importance of practising regularly.

Griffiths said: "We practised at school like twice a week, and we have won a few big games. 

"Our parents were very happy, and I think they were a bit shocked, they didn't say they were shocked, but I think they were. 

"I didn't really play the sport until this year, and now I think I am ok at it, I'm not like the best, but I'm pretty good at it. 

"It's hard to win at this level because the players are really good, it can be quite hard against the best players."

Watching on at Lord's was England wicket-keeper Foakes, as well as Sussex and Southern Vipers captain Georgia Adams. 

And Foakes was delighted to see the sport bringing so many people together.

"I think, especially after what's been going on with COVID-19, this is just a great opportunity to get together,” said Foakes, speaking at the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals where he watched nearly 70 young people with disabilities from 10 schools across the country represent their schools compete for the title of the National Table Cricket Champion 2022.

"I think some of these guys were probably hit the hardest in that isolation and in that lockdown period. 

"So, I just think it's great, everyone being able to get out and enjoy it and enjoying that team aspect of sport that cricket provides. 

"It's been fantastic to see it, and I think it looks like it's going from strength to strength. 

"It's just been awesome."

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