DOWNEND Cricket Club will welcome back entertainers the Lashings World XI for a match in aid of one of Gloucestershire’s best-loved former players.
The WG Grace Memorial Ground will host a clash between the Lashings and a Syd Lawrence All Stars XI on June 6.
Former England international David ‘Syd’ Lawrence took 625 wickets for Gloucestershire during 16 years with the county and is the club president.
Last year it was announced that Syd, who is 61, had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition with no known cure.
The charity match will raise money jointly for the MND Association charity and to help with Syd’s care.
The Lashings XI side will include Courtney Walsh, Syd’s old opening bowling partner at Gloucestershire, along with fellow West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge, former England stars Chris Lewis, John Emburey and Monty Panesar.
Syd’s XI will include former England stars Devon Malcolm and Norman Cowans, Gloucestershire players JJ Lewis, Matt Windows, Martyn Ball and Tim Hancock, and will be captained by his son Buster Lawrence.
Syd, who has been at previous Lashings fixtures at Downend in the past, will attend June’s event with his family.
Gates open at noon and the match starts at 2.30pm. Entry will be by donation on entry to the ground and there will be collections around the boundary during the match.
There will also be hospitality packages, live and silent auctions.
For more details email cricket4syd@gmail.com or call 07970 903237.
Syd’s friend Alistair Baker, who is helping to organise the event, said: “The event is about coming together and showing support for Syd and his family.
“We want to raise as much money for the MND Association and Syd as possible.
“Syd has been facing this illness with the same bravery and tenacity he showed when he was a bowler – you just keep going and try to see the positives in the journey.”
Downend Fixtures
DOWNEND Cricket Club’s First XI have two home fixtures in the West of England Premier Cricket League Premier One division in June.
The team is playing at the highest level of club cricket in the region this year after winning the Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset division last season.
Downend take on Potterne on June 7 at noon and Bath on June 21 at the same time.
Between those fixtures is a cup game with Bourton Vale on June 8 at 1pm. Cup game
The Second XI will be at home to Stapleton 1sts on June 14 at 12.30pm and Bath on June 28 at the same time.
On June 18 at 1pm the WG Grace Memorial ground will host Gloucestershire Over 50s v Herefordshire.