Honours even at Old Trafford

England and Wales shared the spoils in a double-header at Old Trafford in a 20th anniversary celebration for mixed disability cricket.

All teams were selected containing men, women players, as well as juniors in the Zodiac and Zenith categories. There was a maximum of three overs per bowler and batsmen retired when reaching 25 runs and could resume batting after everyone else had batted.

The combination of junior and adult players of high levels of disability worked very well and the women and junior players performed exceptionally well. There was a very good turn out to support the players who rose to the occasion.

Match one, Zodiac category (for players with high levels of disability), saw Wales win by two wickets; England making 81 for five from their 25 overs having been put in to bat, Wales getting the required runs in 18 overs.

Rachael Evans top scored with 25 not out from 27 deliveries for England, her innings containing three fours. Michael Chant hit a four in his 15 not out at the close of the innings.

Chris Goddard was in fine form and topped the bowling figures with 2 wickets for just six runs from his three overs. Frankie Perry also bowled well, her two wickets costing 11 runs. Kristian Little took one wicket for 11 runs.

Jo Botterill and Gillian Lynch saw Wales home, this after Perry top-scored with 25 not out and Linda Lane was close behind with 24 before being trapped LBW by young Lee Hartgen.

Graham Whistler bowled beautifully, his three overs costing just seven runs as he picked up four wickets.

Match 2, Zenith category (for players with medium levels of disability), saw England gain their revenge.

Put in to bat, Wales scored 76 all out in the 18th over. In reply England knocked off the runs using just four batsmen in under 10 overs.

Tom Shackell was in fine form for Wales, top scoring with 18 runs, and there were 27 extras in the total; Jamie Campbell taking 2-13.

Peter Scrivens hit 27 in England's reply, an innings containing two sixes and two fours. John Foulks made 26 runs, and both openers were in fine form.

Batting at number three Steve Wiltshire was also at his best finishing with 17. He hit one six and one four. Campbell was not out six at the close.

The day saw some excellent cricket in both matches, with all players exciting the spectators in the cricket centre at Old Trafford. There

ECB, 30th April 2009