Banbury CC’s disability cricket programme proved a great success throughout schools in Oxfordshire, writes SAM RYAN.

The initiative was the brainchild of Banbury’s Luke Ryan, who came up with the idea as part of a university project.

The scheme signalled the first regular disability cricket coaching in Oxfordshire with funding provided by the Lottery distributor Awards for All.

Eight schools across Oxfordshire enrolled into the project with a team of qualified coaches providing regular training across a five-week programme.

Anthony Bullick, Banbury’s New Zealand all-rounder, provided coaching for youngsters at Bardwell School in Biceter.

Sports co-ordinator Linda Harvey said: “All our pupils really enjoyed the coaching. Anthony was excellent at encouraging them and they all had a great time.”

The pinnacle of the programme was the Disability Festival held at Banbury CC.

Youngsters from Frank Wise School, Lord Williams’s, Bardwell, Mabel Prichard, Kingfisher, Fitzwaryn and John Watson all took part in the festival, which was non-competitive.

The day proved a great success, with all the players receiving a certificate for taking part.

The other coaches involved were Shahbaz Ali, Robin Lett, Richard Brookes, Ed Smith, Mark Elliot and Ryan.

Oxfordshire cricket development officer Rupert Evans said: “There is limited opportunity for disabled pupils to take part in cricket in Oxfordshire.

“Luke’s project has provided that chance and has enabled pupils from special schools to get quality coaching from ECB qualified coaches, play matches at club grounds and provide them with a pathway to join a local club.”