The organisers of a North Yorkshire village’s annual charity cricket match have again been “bowled over” by the backing of one of the region’s best known breweries.
For the last 15 years, Crakehall Cricket Club has played against an Emmerdale Celebrity XI, where money raised from the game is presented to local good causes.
Masham brewer T&R Theakston Ltd, who sponsor the Nidderdale Cricket League, has once again pledged its continued support of the yearly game, which is a magnet for soap fans from far and wide.
Taking place on Sunday, August 9, organisers are hopeful the Emmerdale stars will be joined by a number of familiar faces from Coronation Street, which will swell spectator numbers.
Crakehall Cricket Club Chairman John Shephard, who also runs the village’s Bay Horse public house, said:
Once again we are really pleased to have Theakston’s support, which means a great deal to us.
When our original sponsor pulled out a few years ago, Theakston’s very kindly stepped into the breach and literally saved the day.
Their support comes in the form of donating three barrels of Lightfoot Ale, which is then sold in the beer tent – and there is certainly no shortage of partakers!
For several years now the beer has disappeared faster than a seam bowler’s delivery.
This has led to the Theakston’s team having to call in emergency supplies so as not to disappoint the army of real ale fans!
In addition they have also supplied our team with Theakston-branded cricket shirts, which look the business.
Even though last year’s match was rained off we still raised in excess of £3,000. This year, we are raising funds to help refurbish a hydrotherapy pool at The Dales School, at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton.
T&R Theakston Ltd Executive Director Simon Theakston said:
It is our pleasure to once again be associated with this charity cricket match, which raises a magnificent amount of money for the local community.
We are proud of our association with the Nidderdale Cricket League and just as proud to have our name linked to this annual game.
If rain does stop play again like last year, the good news is our Lightfoot Ale will be on tap to ensure significant funds are raised for this year’s appeal.
