Clare Mount School crowned inaugural Lord's Taverners National Softball Cricket champions
Clare Mount School from the North West made history by becoming the first-ever winners of the Lord's Taverners National Softball Cricket Finals after an outstanding performance at the Uptonsteel County Ground, Grace Road, the home of Leicestershire CCC on Thursday.
The SEND school claimed the inaugural national title after emerging victorious against seven other regional champions from across England, capping off a memorable day of inclusive cricket and teamwork.
The new competition, launched by the Lord's Taverners in partnership with the ECB, has been created to provide pupils in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and ALN (Additional Learning Needs) schools with a fun, accessible and competitive softball cricket pathway. Following county and regional qualifying events, the eight regional champions gathered in Leicester for the first national finals, marking another significant milestone in the charity's commitment to making cricket more inclusive.
Representing the North West, Clare Mount School rose to the occasion throughout the day, producing a series of impressive performances to finish at the top of the standings and lift the inaugural trophy.
George Mason, who was a member of the winning Clare Mount side, was ecstatic following the win: "Our team worked hard and trained really hard to be at the tournament. We all love playing and as well as being teammates we are all friends who look after each other. It was fantastic to play at such an amazing ground. To get to the finals was just as good a feeling as hitting a six in the third group game!"
Their Teacher and Head Coach, Paul Kearney, added: "The young people today and the many others who come to our cricket sessions every day make me feel proud that I have the privilege to be part of their journey. Cricket has become a haven for many and the inclusivity of the club and the group shone through today. The impact has been unmeasurable. To play at the Uptonsteel County Ground with the floodlights and the stands truly made these players (and me!) feel we had achieved something special to be here. To go on and win the tournament meant that we are genuinely ecstatic and is testimony to the hard work and time that these young players have put in to improve themselves both as cricketers and people. Thank you to Lord’s Taverners, Rob and all the staff for hosting such a magnificent, rewarding day"
The Haven, representing the West Midlands, finished as runners-up after an excellent campaign, while Aurora Eccles from East Anglia secured third place.
The full standings from the inaugural National Softball Cricket Finals were:
- Clare Mount School (North West)
- The Haven (West Midlands)
- Aurora Eccles (East Anglia)
- Downland School (South West)
- Alexandra Park (South East)
- White Spire School (Thames Valley)
- Collingwood School (North East)
- Bennerley Fields (East Midlands)
The new competition is designed to offer an exciting and accessible alternative to table cricket, giving more young people with disabilities the opportunity to experience competitive cricket in a supportive environment. The eight-a-side format encourages participation, teamwork, confidence and skill development while creating memorable experiences for pupils representing their schools on a national stage.
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