Table Cricket Finals 2026

February 2026 played host to three action-packed days of Table Cricket Finals. We were overwhelmed to welcome a record number of 188 participants competing for their school teams in venues across both the North and South of the County. The events were full of smiling faces, teamwork, empathy towards other participants, and laughter from all involved, and they were a real joy to be a part of.

Each school attended one of the three days, with some schools having multiple teams, and played in a fast-paced carousel of six or seven quick-fire matches, all scored and umpired by members of the Lincolnshire Cricket team. The pace was fast and the energy constant as players gathered to discuss tactics, celebrate small victories, or support their fellow teammates where necessary. All involved showed respect and empathy for their fellow teammates and players on the opposition, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

What stood out the most at the end of the day wasn’t the scoreboard – it was the sportsmanship. That being said, someone does have to win, and the winners from each day were presented with medals and the Jane Mansfield trophy which will be engraved with their school name and year of success on it as a permanent mark of their achievement. Further to this, the winners from each day have earned a place in the Regional Table Cricket Finals at Headingly Stadium later on this year. Congratulations to the Cambridge Park Cougars, Newton Bridge Academy, and the Linkage Lincoln Leopards – we wish you the very best of luck in this stage of the competition. Go well!

To support with the running of the event, we were also joined by a number of student leaders from a range of the competing schools. These young volunteers were hand selected and nominated by their PE Teachers for their enthusiasm, altruistic attitude and ability to concentrate and carry out tasks, even under time pressure. They undertook training, including umpiring and scoring games on their own and filled in a journal to record their progress. These young volunteers played an imperative role in scoring, guiding teams between tables, and helping the day run smoothly. It was brilliant to be able to develop their leadership skills alongside their own school teams. Their hard work impressed everyone and they should be immensely proud of their efforts.

The fun and light-heartedness of these three days masks the sheer amount of work that goes into making an event like this possible. The programme of events is largely organised by our Disability Development Officer, Neil Wheeler, who is deeply passionate about providing opportunities for everyone in Lincolnshire to find a love for cricket and a format of the game that is accessible to them. Before the planning for the event can even begin, significant work that is carried out by Neil and the Community Coaches in the Participation and Growth Team (a big shout out and thank you to Emily, Emma, Gary, Justin and Steve) who deliver in SEND school across the County to foster a love for the game. This involves building trusted relationships, introducing the game, and creating spaces where participants feel safe, supported, and empowered to compete.

We committed to continually increasing our offer to provide as many opportunities as possible to our SEND community. In partnership with Belvoir and Educational Sports Trust, our trusted delivery partner, we hope to continue to grow events such as this, year on year to ensure that all households have a genuine chance to engage with cricket in a way that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive. To summarise such an amazing series of events, the Table Cricket Finals embodied the true Spirit of Cricket.

Leonie echoed this, by saying ‘It’s so much fun, I like hitting the ball and playing the game and I win points. It’s my favourite game and I like winning.’