Lanes Group team inspired by progress of disability cricketers

Lanes Group utilities director Conrad Ashby has presented Peter Hull with the Player of the Year Award, marking the first season as the main sponsor of the Middlesex disability cricket performance programme.

Opening batsman Peter was just one of the players who excelled during a successful season, which ended with Middlesex finishing 4^th in the D40League for disability cricket.

They were also runners-up in the Southern League Super 9s competition.

Conrad Ashby, Managing Director of the Lanes Group Utilities Division, said: “It’s been an honour to have supported the Middlesex disability performance squads during 2015.

“During the season we have seen for ourselves the progress the team has made, winning notable victories, with talented players emerging.

“As a company, we wanted to extend the opportunities for young people to participate in sport in the communities we service, and promote inclusivity, and this has been an excellent opportunity to do that.

“Middlesex County Cricket Club has demonstrated it is fully behind its disability cricket programme. Squad players have provided enthusiastic support and helping to coach disability players.

“We are looking forward to supporting the programme next year, and plan to deepen our relationship with a number of initiatives, including hopefully playing a Lanes Group vs Middlesex disability cricket match.”

The Middlesex Disability Cricket Programme held its own awards night, but Conrad Ashby had the opportunity to present Peter Hull with his award at the main Middlesex County Cricket Club awards event as well.

Lanes Group’s sponsorship helps fund the players’ kit, coaching fees and transport costs.

Lanes Utilities Transport Manager Paul Jones, whose son Rhys plays disability cricket for Middlesex, said: “There is no doubt that the financial support provided by Lanes Group has made a real difference.

“It’s given the players a big boost throughout the season. It also means that coaching will be able to continue during the off-season, so the squads will come back fitter and more skilful at the start of next season.

“This can only be good for disability cricket. We also hope it will help raise the profile of the sport and encourage more people to take part next season.”

Other Middlesex CCC disability players who won end-of-season awards were: Players’ Player, Asif Patel; Most Improved Player, Joel Kiffin; Performance of the Season, Asif Patel; and Spirit of Cricket, Alison Williams. County caps were awarded to: Peter Hull, Matthew Jones, Asif Patel and Deepak Sharda.