WIRRAL cricketers are proving that the sport can be played by all abilities after taking on a visually impaired team earlier this month.

Wirral Globe:

For the third year in a row, Tranmere Victoria Cricket Club entertained the Cheshire Cobras – made up entirely of totally blind and visually impaired players.

The game, which took place on August 2, was played around the basic rules of cricket, only using a larger ball with beads inside to assist the visually impaired cricketers in locating it and judging the speed and angle of flight.

There is also an additional rule allowing the ball to bounce twice on the bowling action.

Kev Hannigan, from Tranmere Victoria, explained: “To enable the Vics to experience how the visually impaired lads play, the Cobras provided simulation glasses ranging from tunnel vision to 80% blindness.

“These were worn by the young Vics team while fielding – an experience none of them will forget.”

Supported by the Cheshire Cricket Board, the Cheshire Cobras Visually Impaired Cricket Club was established in 2014 to help promote physical and social welfare.

Kev added: “The game was played in a great spirit and from the off the Cobras laid down a marker and made it loud and clear that they were here to play some serious cricket.”

“It was a fantastic day for all those players and spectators involved and one that will live long in the memory of those that took part in this remarkable event, showing that sport can be played at all levels, and it  is always the sport that wins.”

The Cobras restricted Vics to a score of 127-4 off 30 Overs with R.Brown,D.King,J.Wood and N.Wood all scoring over 20 runs.

In reply the Cobra's raced passed the total in 20 overs with F.McFarlane 24, M Harrison 37 (rtd) and P.Rigby 16(n.o) .