Launch weekend for Shropshire Disabled Cricket League
This weekend sees the start of the 2025 edition of the Shropshire Disabled Cricket Indoor League (SDCL).
It has been held every year since 1990 with the exception of the Covid year
Competing this year will be St Georges DCC (one of Shropshire’s Disability Champion Clubs), Oswestry DCC and Colwyn Bay MACs who will play each other on a home and away basis.
In addition, each of these teams will play one fixture against the Staffordshire County S9 Disability squad as part of their pre-season preparations.
Matches are played at indoor venues across the county. The format matches as closely as possible a combination of well-established national indoor league rules and ‘pairs cricket’.
League Secretary Graham Furber said: “Bowlers are allowed a maximum number of overs per innings, but as many players as possible are encouraged to bowl at least one over.
“Runs are scored using national rules, with each side starting with 200 runs, and losing 5 runs for each dismissal. The team with the higher ‘net’ score wins the match.
“Inevitably with pan-disabilities represented, there can be major disparities between teams in terms of mobility, strength and mental awareness.
“Consequently, additional ’special rules’ have been developed which are acceptable to both players and officials, promote fair play and retain the spirit of the game.
“The League’s philosophy has always been ‘Sport for All’ and to achieve this, matches are always played as friendlies.
“Whenever possible, any person with a disability who turns up to watch and then wishes to take part can graduate to the ECB national competitions.
“Cricket Shropshire’s Disability squads are always on the lookout for new players, and participation in this format can act as a useful evaluation of ability.”
Since 2011, each year the SDCL recognizes a ‘Player of the Season’, and last year’s award went to Ryan Barker of Staffordshire both for his playing ability and his excellent attitude to the game. He is pictured above receiving his award
This award is dedicated to the memory of Richard Furber, a founder playing member of the League and is chosen by Graham.
Graham added: “In April, we were all devastated to hear of the death of our President and a true pioneer of disability cricket, Dick Wildgoose.
“In the summer of 1989, Dick and his twin brother Fred, had organised a coaching session for people with a disability at Cae Glas Park in Oswestry.
“He was so encouraged by what he had seen that he then organised a series of three-hour coaching sessions at Centre North West in Oswestry.
An indoor cricket competition was then organised for six teams at the old Oswestry Leisure Centre site, where Oswestry beat a team from Wrexham in the final.
“In 1990, Dick was integral in setting up a series of friendly games between teams of local disability groups, which prompted the setting up of the Shropshire Disabled Cricket Association (SDCA) primarily to run a more structured disability programme.
“During that summer, an outdoor tournament was run at Idsall School in Shifnal, and this continued to run for several successive years, introducing the concept of playing the game in a much bigger area.
“The aim of the Association was always to encourage and support any disabled person who wants to play cricket, but unable to play mainstream.
“Over the years this philosophy has been modified somewhat to encourage players to endeavour to develop their game enough to be able to graduate to mainstream cricket.
“RIP Dick, your contribution to the development of disability cricket will never be forgotten.
The league owes so much to those who give so much of their time to keep it running each winter.
“It is impossible to run disability sport without the incredibly committed support of parents, relatives, carers and supporters and over the years we have lost some great squads like Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth Beavers, Monkmoor Nomads and Ironwills when this support could not be continued.
“Playing in the SDCL is competitive but always FUN!”
Further details on the League’s activities and how you can get involved can be obtained from Graham, please email graham.furber@yahoo.com