Howzat for £1,000 cash lift

SOAP stars, singers and sportsmen helped raise over £1,000 for two charities in a celebrity cricket match.

The match took place at Rochdale Cricket Club on Saturday, August 31, between the Dark Fruits FC and Once Upon a Smile (OUAS) teams.

The star-studded line-up included Ben Ryan Davies (Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road); Jay Kontzle (Emmerdale, Fresh Meat); Cel Spellman (Cold Feet, Waterloo Road); Danny Miller (Emmerdale); singer Shane Richie Jnr,and Matt Calland, Lewis Sheridan, Aidy Gleeson and Zac Baker and players from Rochdale Hornets and Mayfield.

Despite the poor weather, there was a good turnout of fans to help raise money for the Stephen Gartland Foundation, set up in the memory of a local rugby coach, and bereavement charity Once Upon A Smile.

With Dark Fruits held to 139 thanks to the bowling of Aidy Gleeson and Matt Calland from the Hornets, OUAS went in to bat as the weather brightened up.

However, the experienced bowlers of Dark Fruits took 8 wickets and left the tail enders facing a stiff battle.

Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road star Ben Ryan Davies came to the rescue and managed to score 48 (not out) to win the game for Once Upon a Smile.

Ian Kershaw, of Rochdale Mayfield, said: “The day wouldn’t have been possible without the great support from Rochdale Sports Club and the sponsors. Organisers Jordan McKinley and Ben Davies would like to extend their thanks to everyone for attending, giving up their time and donating prizes.”