The 2023 Disability Premier League kicked off on Sunday 20 August, with the final set to be played at The Incora County Ground on Wednesday 6 September.
Defending champions, Tridents, had a tough start to their competition, as they were beaten twice at Parkgate, Neston, with defeats coming against Black Cats and Hawks.
Black Cats got the T20 tournament off to a flying start, as Angus Brown scored a 52-ball century to help his side chase down the target of 191 with three balls to spare, defeating Tridents in the process.
Pirates, who reached the final in 2022, also tasted defeat in their opening game, as an impressive bowling performance from Hawks’ Callum Flynn (3-14) and George Greenway (3-20) limited them to 128 all out. Hawks chased it down with 11 balls to spare, with Flynn top-scoring with 45 not out.
In the afternoon matches, Pirates bounced back strongly to overcome Black Cats, despite a half-century from Joe Freestone. Brendon Parr (59 not out) and Gordon Laidlaw (50) both passed 50 for Pirates as they posted 174-2, before restricting their opposition to 142-5.
Tridents’ second defeat of the day came against Hawks, who held the 2022 winners to 129-9 from their 20 overs, Greenway again claiming three wickets. In reply, Hawks’ Alex Hammond scored 56 not out to help his side to an eight-wicket win.
The 2023 Disability Premier League final will be hosted at The Incora County Ground on Wednesday 6 September at 12.30pm, before England Women’s Vitality IT20 fixture against Sri Lanka.
Entry will be free for the DPL final, and anyone who wishes to stay for the international fixture in the evening can purchase a ticket by clicking the button below.
Remaining 2023 Disability Premier League Fixtures
27 August, DPL Match Day 2, Valley End CC, 4 x T20s (11am)
3 September, DPL Match Day 3, Loughborough, 4 x T20s (11am)
6 September, DPL Final, Incora County Ground, Derby, T20 (12.30pm)