Wormsley Set For Blockbuster Action

Wormsley Set For Blockbuster Action

©Cricket World / Jim White

Talented youngsters from Aston Rowant Cricket Club will hope to write their own Hollywood script on Sunday when they take on a celebrity-packed team from the Lord’s Taverners in a charity cricket match at Wormsley.

The Oxfordshire village’s Under-15s have reached the NatWest Under 15 National Club Championship finals and four members of the squad will be part of a team that will face a Lord’s Taverners XI featuring Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, as well as former internationals Neil Smith, Clive Radley and Gus Mackay.

Aston Rowant have a thriving youth section, with 150 junior members. Their Under-15s were one of 1,776 original entries in the National Club Championships, and have fought through county and regional stages to reach the final four.

Aston Rowant commercial manager Chris Wraight said: “We run the club on a totally voluntary basis and view the Colts as fundamental to our future.

“We have 14 junior squads, including three girls teams, and everyone has been delighted to see the Under-15s do so well. Several are involved with the Oxfordshire representative squads and their opening bowler - Linsey Smith - also plays in the Women’s Supers 2s, a competition which features the best young women in the country.

“The strength of the Colts means we can sustain our six senior teams, but funding is always an issue. We have been fortunate to receive sponsorship this year from TalkTalk and are delighted to have the opportunity to play at such a wonderful ground as Wormsley - against some famous names.”

As well as the likes of Mendes, The Football League Show TV presenter Manish Bhasin and actor Gordon Kennedy, the Lord’s Taverners team will also feature former county cricketers Vince Wells and Paul Aldred, as well as soap stars Charlie Dale, Frazer Hines and renowned after-dinner speaker Bob Bevan.

Created by Sir John Paul Getty on the family’s estate close to High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Wormsley is just one minute from Junction 5 of the M40 and is often described as the most beautiful cricket ground in England.

The match begins at 3.30pm and follows a Gentlemen v Players fixture featuring the PCA Masters. Advance tickets covering both games cost £15 for adults and £7.50 for concessions, available from www.wormsleycricket.co.uk, while admission on the day is £20 for adults and £10 for concessions. A Champagne Hamper can be booked for £100 and full hospitality can be enjoyed for £150.