Altona Sports’ Tom Sharples and Jesiah Collard helped Victoria claim the National Cricket Inclusion Championships-Deaf and Hard of Hearing men’s championship late last month.
The Victorian team won three of its four pool matches before facing Queensland in the grand final in a T20 clash.
Queensland batted first and made 8-97 from its overs. Victoria finished 2-100 in the 15th over to claim the title.
For Collard, it was a really good experience.
“I’m pretty pumped to win my first ever national comp tournament with my mates,” he said. “I would definitely say I’m proud of myself for how I perform in the Vic squad.”
Sharples was representing Victoria for a third time.
“It was a really good experience representing the state team, especially winning the tournament with the group of boys,” he said.
“I’m actually satisfied with my performance in the tournament. I did extremely well in the field as my running and explosive speed is one of my strengths.”
At the tournament the athletes don’t use hearing aids or cochlear implants so all the matches are played in complete silence to make it an even playing field.
The pair both play at Altona Sports in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association Saturday competition.
Collard said it can be hard to communicate with his teammates, but loves the vibe at the club.
Sharples said the club had been really supportive of them. He said he feels at home at the club.
“The club has been really awesome and supportive to us deaf-hard of hearing players making sure we feel included in every training, matchdays, club events and cricket trips,” he said. I really love the club and the boys.”
Both were full of praise for their coaches including Tom Harrison, Dean Bryden, Liam and David Brennan, David Kip and Khush Talati.
Bryden, who is sports club director, said they loved having the pair at the club along with a number of other players who are deaf or hearing impaired.
Miles Robinson, another player at the club, was part of Western Australia’s team at the NCIC championships.
“This year we have five guys,” he said. “They play from the first XI through to the sixth IX,” he said. “They play where their standard is at.
“We don’t see them as hearing impaired, They bring such joy to the club. They are the first ones at training and they stick around for meals.”’
Bryden said they have taught experienced players like himself different ways of playing where they have to look at movement more than relying on voices.
Tara Murray
