CRICKET AT THE BUTTERFLY CENTRE

By: Andrew Herriot

Recently David Ralph, the CEO of Lord’s Taverners South Africa and a resident of Hermanus, met with Janet Marshall, our local Caledon Broadcaster. It transpired that David, with the financial support of Lord’s Taverners (a leading UK youth disability charity), was keen to ensure that a table cricket table would be made available at schools for children living with physical and/or intellectual challenges.

Janet instantly advised: “Meet and speak to Andrew Herriot, the local Butterfly Centre’s School Board Secretary.” Job done, table delivered and set up, and demonstrations for the kids with the able support from a local cricketer of yesteryear, Anton de Kock, and the expertise of David Ralph. It emerged that a certain Lady Tav, Jane Simunovic, was instrumental in making the donation possible, especially for those children who face inequalities on a daily basis.

Jane is a Lady Taverner, and when the Tavs put together an overseas tour, they also offer packages to members to accompany the team to experience some of the country they are visiting. Jane was part of the supporting team that accompanied the Gatting/ Gower trip of March 2020. At the final dinner at Kelvin Grove, an appeal for guests to donate R10 000 to provide another game of table cricket to children living with disabilities was made. Jane was one of those donors.

When the two Butterfly teams of six were assembled around the table with five fielders on the edges, using special devices to slide and stop a scoring ball, and a bowler was set loose on the game, it was remarkable how children with differing physical and mental challenges applied themselves to the utter excitement of bowling, batting, fielding, blocking, cheering, and accepting umpire decisions.

This activity will be fully integrated into the weekly learning schedule using numerical acquisition and game rules to widen the Butterfly kids’ understanding of collaboration and reaching a full measure of appreciation of participation in learning experiences. Weekly matches will take place under the umpirage of Anton and the cheers and empowerment of the school population. Big thanks to Jane Simunovic, David Ralph and Anton for their support.

What is Table Cricket?

Table cricket is a modified version of the sport of cricket that is played on a tabletop or a specially designed game board. It is primarily designed for individuals with disabilities or those who are unable to play traditional cricket due to physical limitations. The game aims to provide an inclusive and accessible cricket experience.

In table cricket, the playing surface is a flat tabletop or board with markings resembling a cricket field. The game typically involves two teams, each consisting of six players. The objective is to score runs and take wickets while following the rules and principles of traditional cricket. The game is played using a small wooden bat, a lightweight ball, and a couple of umpires to keep track of runs and wickets. The bowler delivers the ball by rolling it down the bowling ramp, and the batsman attempts to hit the ball and score runs. The fielding team tries to take wickets by catching the ball or hitting the stumps.

Table cricket provides an opportunity for individuals of all abilities to enjoy the sport of cricket and participate in a fun and inclusive manner. It promotes physical activity, hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork while adapting to the specific needs and abilities of the players involved.

Table cricket is now played in several countries around the world. The first South African festival took place in March this year at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. In the UK there is an annual Table Cricket competition where over 180 schools participate, and the final is held at the home of cricket at Lord’s.