9th May 2025
| Claudia Vaughan-Johns
The highly anticipated South Wales Table Cricket Competition made its exciting return on March 27th, featuring more teams, more participants, and more energy than ever before! The 2025 edition saw an exciting addition, with regional qualifiers held across both East and West Wales for the first time. These built up to a thrilling South Wales Finals Day at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, where 12 schools and over 150 enthusiastic participants came together to battle it out for the prestigious Cup and Shield titles.
The Cup final delivered a nail biting showdown between reigning champions Heronsbridge School and competition debutants Woodlands High School. In a match that had everything, Woodlands triumphed in dramatic fashion, winning the tournament’s first ever Super Over! An unforgettable way to lift their first title. Meanwhile, the Shield competition was dominated by Islwyn High School, who powered through the fixtures, to make history as the inaugural Shield champions.
“Both of the days were absolutely fantastic, extremely well run and so inclusive. We at Woodlands HS were delighted to qualify for the final, but to actually go on and win was beyond our wildest expectations. Winning is not of paramount importance, but it meant the world and more to our learners, and that is very special,” Nathan Griffith-Williams, teacher at Woodlands High School.
The 2025 South Wales Table Cricket Competition was more than just a sporting event, it was a celebration of inclusion, opportunity, and the incredible power of sport to inspire. With a record breaking 150 participants from 12 schools across East and West Wales, the competition showcased not only athletic ability but also resilience, teamwork, and joy. From Woodlands High School’s thrilling Super Over victory in the Cup final to Islwyn High School’s unbeaten run to Shield glory, every moment reflected how deeply table cricket resonates with its players. More than medals and trophies, it offered young people with disabilities the chance to shine on their own terms. As Nathan Griffith-Williams from Woodlands High School put it, “Winning... meant the world and more to our learners, and that is very special.” See the impact for yourself in this YouTube video on Table Cricket and its transformative effect, where cricket meets passion on a table sized pitch. https://youtu.be/n4be7Di1RUU
For more information regarding Table Cricket, please email [email protected]