The delightful Pontblyddyn cricket ground hosts the third edition of the Legends of Rugby League v Union Cricket Challenge on Sunday 21 August, from 2.30pm to 6.00pm, which is sponsored by Seabrook Crisps and supported by Flintshire County Council’s sports development team.
The Rugby Union stars have a 2-0 lead in the series, but both sides have played attractive and exciting cricket on one of the most enjoyable family days’ out on the charity cricket calendar.
This year the League Legends are looking to turn the tables with an extremely strong line-up of former Great Britain stars, including Paul Sculthorpe, Alan Hunte, Iestyn Harris and Andy Gregory. In addition, four of the current all-conquering Wigan squad (which has just booked its place in the Challenge Cup Final) are on parade – Pat Richards, Sean O’Loughlin, Brett Finch and Andy Coley.
On the Union side, England internationals Tim Stimpson, Simon Halliday, Chris Sheasby and Steve Hanley are backed up by a number of last year’s winning team, plus the wily veteran, and former England Captain, Dick Greenwood, who has caught the selectors’ eye this year ahead of his son Will!
All the proceeds of the day go to the Wooden Spoon – the children’s charity of rugby – which exists to improve the prospects and quality of life for children and young people, who are disadvantaged physically, mentally and socially. The matches in 2009 and 2010 raised the combined sum of £12,000, which has been donated to local charity, Save the Family, to provide a fully equipped children’s play area at their brand new Cotton Hall Farm facility near Chester.
Ticket prices are £10 adults, £5 OAPs and U16s, and £20 family (2 adults and all the children). The day opens with the local Junior Cricket Final at 11.30am, followed by the 20/20 Challenge from 2.30pm to 6.00pm. There are also a limited number of lunch/sponsorship packages available at the nearby Bridge Inn, Pontblyddyn.
Tickets are available from Pontblyddyn Cricket Club or you can pay on the gate.
