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Derby Delight for Somerset Disabled CC
Last Sunday, Somerset CCC played host to a local derby clash between Somerset Disabled CC and their Gloucestershire counterparts.
Nick Dean, who captains the Somerset side, has supplied us with the following match report:
On Sunday May 14th, the Cooper Associates County Ground hosted Somerset Disabled Cricket Club for the very first time in their 27 year history.
The format of the game was a 20/20 against Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation S9 with both teams agreeing to expand the line ups to make sure as many could be involved in the occasion as possible.
Somerset lost the toss and were made to bat first, so with the sun shining, music blaring and crowd cheering, opening pair Nick Dean and James Mayled got to experience the famous walk from the Andy Caddick pavilion to the middle for the very first time.
The Somerset innings went at a good rate throughout. Dean (33 rt), Jack Milton (32 rt), Josh Pritchard (31) and John Tucker (25 no) contributing the bulk of the runs, setting Gloucestershire 154 to win.
With the sun still shining on the occasion, Somerset were able to consistently keep Gloucestershire behind the required run rate, working hard to partner tidy bowling with excellent ground fielding.
Bowlers worked hard in the glorious conditions, with batsmen under pressure throughout.
Wickets fell regularly, with Mayled (1-2), Paul Lewis (1-9), Seb Menko (1-13), and James Redwood (1-15) sharing the wickets and leading Somerset to victory by 33 runs.
However, the result of the game will remain a side note to an occasion that represented inclusivity, diversity and representation in cricket.
Disabled cricketers of all ages were able to live a dream to play on the same cricket ground as their heroes. To represent their club, disability cricket, and to prove that cricket is for everyone.
