A chance to play with the professionals

By Dave Bracegirdle

One of the eagerly-anticipated fixtures in Nottinghamshire’s calendar has been confirmed for Thursday 23 August. As in recent seasons, the Nottinghamshire squad will be pulling together in support of Chris Read’s charity day with Adam Voges putting together a side to face the Read X1 in a Twenty20 clash.

The event will be held at Car Colston Cricket Club, just off the A46 between Newark and Bingham, with proceeds being raised for Bowel Cancer UK and the Laura Rose Memorial Trust.

“I am sure everyone has heard the story before but I am a patron of Bowel Cancer UK and had a very dear friend of mine lose his life to the disease,” said Read. “These are two very fine causes, and in recent years this event has been very well supported by the Nottinghamshire public. Fingers crossed, we’ll receive that level of support again - and maybe even more this year.

“I’m very excited about the game actually. But I just hope that it stays dry after all the bad weather we’ve had this season. Normally we get started around 4.30pm and the fun will go on into the evening but it’s all for a good cause and we are trying to make this an annual fixture in the season.

Aside from the opportunity of turning up to watch the action, there remains the possibility for cricketers of all abilities to get involved. “There’s going to be four professionals on each side so we can squeeze in another seven or eight on each side, so those guys who want to come along and play with the professionals, there is still space available. You just have to submit money into the charity and try to secure your place that way.”

Apart from the cricket there will be a raffle, auction of memorabilia, light refreshments and evening entertainment on offer, as the action moves from the village green into the local hostelry. “It’s a picture perfect scene and we all enjoy going back there each year as we get such a very warm welcome.”

The Chris Read XI will play the Adam Voges XI at Car Colston CC on Thursday 23 August at 4.30pm. For more information, or to bid for a place in one of the sides, email louread@hotmail.com



Date: 16/07/2012 11:41:49 by Dave Bracegirdle
In: Today | Nottinghamshire |