Wasps and Bears stars team up

ENGLAND rugby internationals will be teaming up with an England cricket star at a special cricket match.

Wasps’ Elliot Daly, Joe Launchbury and Dan Robson are set to mix up with Warwickshire stars, including Ian Bell, at Knowle & Dorridge Cricket Club tomorrow.

The T20 cricket match for the Neal Abberley Memorial Trophy will be used to raise funds for the Warwickshire County Cricket Club Player Pathway and Midlands charity Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, which Wasps support.

Having started in 2012, the Neal Abberley Memorial Trophy has been staged each year as a way of raising funds for great causes in memory of Bears’ legend Neal, who played for Warwickshire between 1964 and 1979 and was part of the coaching team from 1981 until his death in 2011.

During his time as a batting coach for the club, he worked closely with Bears and England batsman Bell.

“Abbers was the first coach to pick me for the Bears junior teams and he made a massive impact on my career,” said Bell. “Whether it be during my time in the county age group teams or preparing for a Test match, he was always supporting me.

“He’s sorely missed by many, and this annual fixture has been a fantastic way for Bears supporters and players past and present to pay tribute to him. However, by working with Wasps we’re taking the event to a different level.

“It’s very exciting to partner with one of the world’s biggest rugby clubs and to bring together international cricketers and rugby players for this game.

“I’ve heard that a few of the Wasps lads have played cricket at a good standard, so I’m looking forward to playing with and against them.”

To buy tickets, call the Edgbaston ticket office on 0121 369 1994.