Hampshire disability cricket celebrates national title success

Hampshire Cricket Board’s (HCB) comprehensive Disability Cricket Programme continues to go from strength to strength, with a record number of players benefiting from regular coaching and Hampshire’s D40 Quest side securing a national trophy.

Thanks to the continued support of funding partners, Lord’s Taverners, HCB provides weekly coaching opportunities for young people with disabilities aged 12–25 across Hampshire to access recreational cricket opportunities.

The programme offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants to develop their cricketing skills, build confidence and enjoy the sport in a relaxed and sociable environment, while also providing a pathway into competitive cricket for those who aspire to progress.

Alongside the weekly coaching programme, HCB operates five County Representative Disability Cricket teams, providing more than 70 players with disabilities the opportunity to represent Hampshire across softball and hardball competitions.

The 2026 season provided a particularly memorable conclusion, with Hampshire’s D40 Quest side crowned national champions following an emphatic 117-run victory over Lancashire in the National Final.

Batting first, Hampshire produced an outstanding performance to post 284/7 from their allotted 40 overs. The innings was built around a magnificent knock from Kevin Cooper, who produced one of the standout performances of the season with a superb 156 from just 113 balls.

Cooper was well supported by Freddie Gurney, who added an important 50 runs as Hampshire established a commanding total and put themselves firmly in control of the contest.

Hampshire then produced a disciplined bowling performance to ensure Lancashire were unable to mount a successful response. Opening bowler James Humphries made an early contribution with figures of 2/21, before Gurney completed an outstanding all-round performance by claiming 3/15.

The decisive contribution came from spinner Freddie Leamon, who returned impressive figures of 4/32 to help Hampshire secure the National Title. Leamon's performance also saw him finish the competition as the leading wicket-taker in the country, with 18 wickets.

The emphatic 117-run victory capped an exceptional season for the Hampshire D40 Quest side and highlighted the quality and depth that continues to develop within the county’s disability cricket pathway.

Reflecting on the success, Hampshire Cricket Board Disability Development Officer, Michael Powell, said: “This achievement is testament to all of our players, who have performed exceptionally well throughout the season. It also speaks volumes about the strength of our Disability Cricket programme and the opportunities we continue to provide for people with a disability across the county.

“We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. It is a fantastic reward for the players, coaches and volunteers who have contributed throughout the season, and demonstrates once again that cricket truly is a game for everyone.”

With opportunities available from weekly participation sessions through to county-level competition, Hampshire Cricket Board’s Disability Cricket Programme continues to provide a clear pathway for players to play, develop and represent their county, regardless of ability.