Hundreds out for third Big Bash
MORE than 200 spectators came to The Rookery Sports Ground in Southport on Sunday for The Premier Big Bash.
The event, held in memory of Phil Carder, founder member of Churchtown Cricket Club and Southport FC fans group Trust in Yellow, saw an action-packed cricket tournament take place alongside entertainment and activities.
The Vipers lifted The Phil Carder Cup at the third annual Bash, after a well-contested four team competition, organised by members of Churchtown CC.
Players from six local cricket clubs took part, with the youngest and oldest participants on the field born 60 years apart.
Southport DJ Glynn Tee entertained the crowd for more than seven hours with music and commentary accompanying the action on the field.
In the tea break Marshside Brass Band put on a wonderful display to the crowd in a real showcase of local musical talent.
The Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Iain Brodie-Brown, was in attendance to see first hand how the event has developed and the exciting style of last man stands cricket.
Former Lancashire CCC all-rounder Tom Smith, now a professional coach with the county, ran impressive bowling, fielding and batting drills as well as one-to-one sessions throughout the day. Coaches from Opening Up CC held mental health awareness sessions with players focusing on mind and body training. A bar, cricket teas and barbecue ran throughout the day as spectators flocked through the Roe Lane ent rance of the ground.
There was great support in particular for the Trust in Yellow side, who pushed the Warriors all the way in the semi-finals.
In total, £650 was raised for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport, where Phil died in 2015.
Officials from the charity are to attend a Churchtown game and accept the donation raised through a grand raffle.
Much of the event was made possible thanks to support from Premier Wear in Ormskirk and a grant from One Stop Carriers for Causes scheme.
The event was held for the third successive year and Churchtown Cricket Club will be aiming to build on the innovative tournament to increase awareness of local cricket, support good causes and remember Phil.