Hampshire's D40 Quest side have been crowned national champions after an emphatic 117-run victory over Lancashire in the National Final, capping a record-breaking season for the county's Disability Cricket Programme.
The Hampshire Cricket Board (HCB) programme, supported by funding partner Lord's Taverners, provides weekly coaching for young people with disabilities aged 12 to 25 across Hampshire. The sessions offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants can develop their cricketing skills, build confidence and enjoy the sport in a relaxed and sociable setting, while also providing a pathway into competitive cricket for those who aspire to progress.
Record participation and county representation
Alongside the weekly coaching programme, HCB operates five County Representative Disability Cricket teams, giving more than 70 players with disabilities the opportunity to represent Hampshire in both softball and hardball competitions. The 2026 season saw a record number of players benefit from regular coaching, according to the board.
The programme's growth reflects continued investment in disability cricket across the county, with opportunities available from weekly participation sessions through to county-level competition. HCB says the pathway allows players to play, develop and represent their county regardless of ability.
National final victory
In the National Final, Hampshire batted first and posted an outstanding 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.
Leading wicket-taker and pathway success
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.
Michael Powell, Hampshire Cricket Board Disability development officer, 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," Powell added.
The national title win and record participation numbers underline the continued growth of disability cricket in Hampshire, with the HCB programme providing a clear pathway from weekly recreational sessions to county-level competition for players of all abilities.
