Falkirk High School bats it out of the park with table cricket win
Falkirk High School took the top spot at a national table cricket competition - earning the opportunity to represent Scotland at Lord’s Cricket Ground this summer.
The team secured first place at the National Table Cricket Festival in Dundee on 27 March, following strong performances throughout the day. Their win means they will now progress to the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals in London on 15 May 2026.
The national event brought together eight teams from six schools, building on a year of significant growth for the sport across Scotland. Regional festivals held in locations including Falkirk, Glasgow, Perth and Inverness saw 193 pupils from 25 schools take part - a notable increase from the previous year.
For Falkirk, the success reflects years of steady development. Table cricket locally began around four years ago, with Falkirk High School initially the only school involved. Since then, the programme has expanded, creating more opportunities for pupils with additional support needs and disabilities to take part in inclusive sport.
Table cricket is played on an adapted table tennis table, using a ramp to bowl and side panels with sliding fielders to stop runs. Teams of six aim to score as many runs as possible, combining skill, strategy and teamwork.
This year, Falkirk Council Active Schools worked with Cricket Scotland to deliver leadership training in four secondary schools. Supported by Bailliefields Community Hub and Cricket Forth Valley, pupils took part in a series of lunchtime sessions, building towards Falkirk’s first local table cricket competition.
Falkirk High School secured first place at the local event, with Carrongrange High School finishing second. Both schools progressed to the national stage, giving pupils valuable competitive experience.
Ann Smith, Faculty Head of Health at Falkirk High, said:
The pupils all helped each other on the day, with team captain Brooke from Windsor Park supporting younger players.
"They really enjoyed the experience and the trip, and are now looking forward to London.
The growth of table cricket locally has also been recognised, with Bailliefields and Cricket Forth Valley receiving an FVDS ‘Inspire’ award for their role in delivering sessions and supporting the first Falkirk-wide competition.
There are now more opportunities for pupils to get involved. Weekly table cricket sessions are available at Carrongrange High School on Thursdays during term time, supported by Bailliefields coaches.