Ipswich students set to play cricket at Lord's this week

Students from Suffolk One Sixth Form College, all on supported learning programmes, are set to play at the National Table Cricket Finals at one of the most prestigious cricket stadiums in the world. 

To reach this point, they had to first play against seven teams in Bury St Edmunds followed by a trip to Norwich.

There they took part in four heats and then won their final game against Clare School to qualify for the contest at Lord's Cricket Ground in St John's Wood in London, which will take place on Wednesday.

They reached Lord's after defeating a team in Norwich. (Image: PA media)

Hamish Crawford can't wait to visit the home of cricket. (Image: Eastern Education Group)

Hamish Crawford, 20, who is a part of the team, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Lord's.

"I’m a cricket fan and like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad.

"I’m just going to drink it in and take the opportunity. I can’t wait. It would mean the world to win.”

The tournament is an adapted version of cricket, played on a table, that was first developed in 1990. 

The team will play on Wednesday. (Image: Eastern Education Group)

The team will be led by 17-year-old Kia Coulson, who said: “I like the fact that everyone can play table cricket. We want to win the whole thing. It’s exciting.”

Teacher of supported learning at the college Rita Harden said that she was proud of the team and the way in which they conducted themselves.

She added: “We are a strong team who perform well and I know that everyone will do their best.

"Taking part in the competition at Lord's will be a very special moment for everyone.”