Hackney were crowned champions for the first time at the recent Lord’s Taverners Disability Cricket Championships awards evening at the Kia Oval.

The glittering ceremony, attended by over 200 guests, incorporated a pool of over 640 disabled people across 18 London boroughs, specifically those aged 14 to 25 with a limiting disability.

Four teams made up of young people with a range of learning and physical disabilities representing the London boroughs of Greenwich, Hackney, Westminster and Richmond & Hounslow competed for the second LTDCC title at the Ken Barrington Centre.

It was Hackney who emerged victorious, winning all three of their group games before defeating Westminster in the final by 28 runs.

Team Hackney’s captain Richard Barnes also won the prestigious award of Cricketer of the Year – presented by former England captain Chris Cowdrey, while Hackney’s coach Michael Wilson won the Coach of the Year award.

Chief executive of the Lord’s Taverners Paul Robin said: “It is wonderful to be able to recognise these young people who have demonstrated great talent in the LTDCC this year.”

The Hackney disabled cricket team are drawn from ‘No Limits’, an open access sports club that meets every Monday afternoon at Clissold Leisure Centre.

Funded and organised by the Hackney Learning Trust, the members – many of whom attend Hackney Community College – have been developing their cricket skills for over two years, growing in ability, confidence, friendships and life skills.

The Team Hackney players are now looking forward to defending their title in 2016. For more information on becoming a member, contact Gary Horsman on 0780 0312 4492.