Charity Cricket Match 2006
In complete contrast to last year's game, the sun shone on Alconbury on Friday 23rd June, as an array of celebrities took to the field for the 17th of Dame Norma Major's annual charity cricket matches.
Last year, just three overs were bowled before a torrential downpour put paid to the cricket. This time however, there were no such problems as The Lashings defeated The Bunbury's by 20 runs. Star of the show was the England women's cricket captain, Charlotte Edwards, who made 98 runs for The Bunbury's team which included James Major, former world lightweight boxing champion Lloyd Honeyghan and Shailesh Vara MP. The formidable Lashings line-up included former West Indian captain Richie Richardson, Vasbert Drakes, Clare Connor, Henry Olonga, Greg Blewett and Grant Flower.
The start of the match was delayed by half an hour as frenetic bidding at the pre-match auction raised more money than ever before, as the large crowd settled down to watch an afternoon of entertainment in the sun. A great performance on the pitch by Joe Cuby's 10-year-old son saw him bowl out former England captain Clare Connor, who said afterwards "It's been great fun, the concept is fantastic and there has been a good turn out of the local community. With players like Blewitt, Richardson and Olonga, what more can you want?"
Jonathon Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon commented "About five years ago I bought my three day old car to Alconbury and Richie Richardson hit a six on to it. What can you do but smile? I walked here today."
Dame Norma Major said "It's been a fantastic day with some excellent cricket players, today is about MENCAP and raising awareness."