Amelia Ridgway aims to contribute to Tridents’ title defense in Disability Premier League

Amelia Ridgway’s Inspirational Journey in Cricket

In a local paper advert spotted by her father Paul during her recovery from hip surgery, Amelia Ridgway found an opportunity that would change her life forever. After being advised to engage in sports during rehabilitation, the £2 children’s cricket sessions at Stoke Bruerne CC became the catalyst for a remarkable journey.

Aged just eight when she first stepped foot on the grounds of Stoke Bruerne CC, Amelia’s memories from that day have proven to be invaluable. Now approaching the age of eighteen, she is about to showcase her talent alongside some of the nation’s top disabled cricketers at the Disability Premier League (DPL).

The Unique T20 Tournament – DPL:

The DPL stands out as a one-of-a-kind T20 tournament where players from three distinct impairment groups – physical, learning, and hearing impaired – come together to compete against each other. The event features four draft-picked squads comprising sixteen players each; Tridents (the inaugural winners), Black Cats, Pirates and Hawks. The final match will be televised live on Wednesday, September 6th before England women’s T20 meeting with Sri Lanka at Derby.

An Inspiration Defying Expectations:

Amelia Ridgway embodies inspiration and determination as she refuses to accept any limits imposed upon her due to disability. Her captain for this year’s DPL is Liam O’Brien; an all-rounder for England’s Physical Disability team who was born with bilateral talipes. Liam, despite his physical challenges, bowls at speeds exceeding 70mph and even played county-level mainstream cricket for Sussex into his teenage years.

Amelia herself has had an impressive cricketing journey. She started off as a left-arm pace bowler but now excels as a bustling opener or top-order bat, showcasing her versatility in the game. Additionally, she has developed her skills in left-arm off-spin bowling – a true all-rounder indeed!

A Trailblazer:

As the only female participant in this year’s DPL, Amelia Ridgway is accustomed to turning heads and breaking stereotypes. Despite not being able to attend trials due to participation in another women’s pilot event, she was selected purely based on her exceptional statistics. Her peers got their first glimpse of her talent during the initial post-draft meet at Edgbaston.

Cricket: A Life-Changing Journey:

Prior to discovering cricket, Amelia had little knowledge or interest in the sport. However, it has completely transformed her life beyond what she could have imagined. Cricket provided her with focus and motivation during periods of rehabilitation that often lasted up to six months at a time.

Even when unable to actively participate due to injury or surgery recovery, Amelia would consistently show up at club training sessions on crutches just to support her teammates. Her unwavering dedication and drive are truly commendable.

An Examination of Skill:

While most teenagers anxiously await exam results during August, this summer brings forth a different kind of test for Amelia Ridgway – an opportunity to make herself known in the rapidly growing world of disabled cricket.

Last year’s DPL final received high praise from former England spinner Robert Croft, highlighting the exceptional left-arm guile demonstrated by Ben Sutton. Now, it’s Amelia’s turn to showcase her skills and create a name for herself in this exciting game.

A Journey Beyond Cricket:

Cricket has become an integral part of Amelia Ridgway’s life – a year-round commitment that goes beyond just playing. She also coaches during both winter and summer at Stony Stratford CC, sharing her knowledge and passion with aspiring cricketers.

Amelia continues to face ongoing challenges with her hip issues, having undergone six operations so far with the possibility of more in the future. However, she remains undeterred as cricket fuels her determination to overcome any obstacles that come her way.