Newham were one of eight London boroughs to compete in the Lord’s Taverners Super 1s Finals at Lord’s last week, while player Leanne Tansley deservedly won the 2018 Spirit of Cricket award.

Newham Recorder: Newham pose for the camera at the Super 1s competition (Pic: Alter Agency)Newham pose for the camera at the Super 1s competition (Pic: Alter Agency) (Image: Archant)

The Super 1s programme gives young people with disabilities aged 12-25 the chance to play cricket regularly, as well as the opportunity to take part in a year round competition structure, which culminated in the finals at Lord’s.

By creating community cricket hubs, delivered weekly by the county cricket boards, the Super 1s programme gives disabled young people the chance to compete against their peers, enjoy the benefits of sport and live an active life.

One of eight teams to qualify for the finals, Newham was then eliminated at Lord’s from Group 2 on Thursday, which also featured Sutton, Hackney and eventual winners Hillingdon.

“We’ve done well,” Newham coach Scott Simmons said.

“The quality of cricket today has been fantastic, very, very high. We weren’t expecting too much, but we’ve had a great time, had great fun and worked as a team.

“They’ve loved playing at Lord’s. As soon as we leave today they’ll be counting down the days until next year. It’s a great tournament.”

For many young people with disabilities throughout the UK, opportunities to take part in regular competitive sport can be limited.

But Super 1s has created a new pathway for disabled young people to play the game and benefits youngsters in all aspects of their life.

“The people who are playing, the other teams, is what makes Super 1s such a great programme,” he added.

“The friendliness, everyone gets on, everyone enjoys each other’s success. It’s an atmosphere you don’t really get anywhere else.

“Teams want to win, but it’s not about the cricket. It’s about meeting new people, making new friends, developing new skills – teamwork, confidence, awareness.

“You see them developing and improving all the time.”

Tansley, meanwhile, picked up the Super 1s Spirit of Cricket award after being recognised as ‘an inspiration to many’ through her making of friends on the programme, learning of new skills and having fun.