Middlesex disability cricketers win promotion

Middlesex County Cricket Club’s disability cricket programme, sponsored by Lanes Group plc, is celebrating a big milestone after its D40 hardball team was crowned Development League champions.

The win has led to promotion to the D40 League South Division next season, where they will regularly face county teams with many of the top players in the England disability cricket squad.

Middlesex CCC disability cricket team also has a chance to win the D20 Championship, in the final game of the season against Kent on Sunday (July 24).

Lanes Group has sponsored Middlesex’s disability performance squads for the last two seasons, paying for professional-standard team kit and equipment, and helping fund match-day expenses.

During that time, the county’s disability cricket programme has developed rapidly. Promotion to the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities South Division has come in just the fourth season of performance disability cricket at Middlesex.

Middlesex Chief Executive Richard Goatley said: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement. This success is a reflection of our players’ hard work and commitment, our coaches’ passion to push boundaries, and the dedicated support from the parents, careers and volunteers.

“A huge thanks also goes to our sponsors, Lanes Group plc, for their ongoing support, which has enabled us to expand our training and support programmes for our players, and improve match-day experiences for the teams.”

Conrad Ashby, Framework Director for Lanes Group’s repair and maintenance contract for Thames Water, which has its HQ in Slough, Berkshire, said: “We’d like to applaud and congratulate the success of the D40 team. Their achievement reflects the energy and commitment shown across the whole performance programme.

“As a company, we’re hugely keen to support community and sporting initiatives that break down boundaries and give opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. The disability performance programme is definitely doing that.”

Michael Wilson, Middlesex’s Disability/Inclusion Coach and Head of Disability Cricket, said the squad had grown in the last 12 months, and had attracted a number of club players, reflecting the growing popularity of disability cricket.

He said: “It’s clear that any barriers that existed between disability and able-bodied cricket are being broken down. This will give many more disabled people a chance to play cricket. We’re certainly keen to ensure players with a wide range of abilities continue to get an opportunity to join us and participate at Middlesex.”