Cricketing XI and literary stars clash in charity contest to raise thousands

Leading brand agency, Champions (UK) plc, has made a COVID-secure return to the events scene with a star-studded cricket match at one of the country’s most idyllic sporting locations.

And the highly anticipated contest raised over £10,000 for leading UK youth cricketing charity, the Lord’s Taverners.

Famous cricket legends, including Matthew ‘Hoggy’ Hoggard MBE, Mike Gatting OBE and David Gower OBE were all on hand as the Lord Taverners XI took on famous actors, writers and publishers turning out for The Authors CC, led by British novelist Sebastian Faulks CBE.

The event, held last month at the Getty family’s Wormsley Estate in Buckinghamshire, eventually saw The Authors topple the mighty legends, taking it down to the penultimate ball to defeat the team led by 2005 Ashes hero, Hoggard.

With support from Olympic sprinter, Derek Redmond, who oversaw a luxury auction, the occasion eventually raised over £10,000, helping to create opportunities in grassroots cricket for struggling youngsters and those living with a disability.

Champions CEO, John Hayes, was delighted with the event, which was given the green light by securing the official ‘Good to Go’ tourism industry badge, rubber-stamping the business through its adherence to Government and public health guidance on COVID-19.

“This was a fantastic day of cricket but, more so, I’m pleased with the contribution we have made to helping more youngsters build their confidence and find opportunity through sport,” said Hayes.

“Events have been a challenge for everybody through this difficult period but we were able to provide a ring of confidence for those in attendance and participating, thanks to our strict COVID secure measures.

“We now look forward to some sense of normality in the events industry but, for now, events such as these prove that fantastic occasions can be held safely whilst also raising vital funds in the process.”

A range of supporting businesses were on hand to witness the sporting clash at Wormsley, which has a long and storied history on its idyllic grounds, with the pitch an exact replica of the famous Oval cricket ground in London.

Companies, such as Leicestershire leasing business, Pink Car Leasing, engineering firm, adi Group, and digital marketing and ecommerce specialists, Diginius, all played their part in supporting and contributing to charity proceeds. Additional entertainment was also provided by Britain’s Got Talent singer, Faith Tucker, and cricket legend, Geoff Miller OBE.

“What we try to do with these events is provide unique ‘once in a lifetime’ match-ups. Today’s occasion pitted stars of the literary and acting worlds against sporting superstars to provide both entertainment and charity donations for those most in need,” added Hayes.

Champions is now looking to the future and exploring further ways to run events in a COVID-secure way. The business hopes to lead the resurgence of the events industry in 2021, when the Wormsley cricket match aims to make its return.

For more information Champions (UK) plc events and sponsorship, visit https://championsukplc.com/