The squad for Friday evening’s charity 20/20 challenge match against Mumbles Cricket Club has been confirmed.
The Ospreys are 2-1 up in the series after winning the last two contests in 2011 and 2013, with rain forcing the postponement of the 2012 fixture.
Craig Maloney, whose two sixes in the final over pinched victory in the last over in 2013, and Ben John, the six-hitting match winner in 2011, both feature. There’s a return to action for Hanno Dirksen, who top scored in 2011 with 41 but missed last year with injury, while summer signings Josh Matavesi, Dan Evans and Rynier Bernardo get their first experience of the keenly contested fixture.
Ospreys squad:
1. Craig Maloney
2. Sam Davies
3. Ben John
4. Josh Matavesi
5. Dan Evans
6. Matthew Dwyer (wk)
7. Rynier Bernardo
8. Hanno Dirksen
9. Evan Yardley
10. Ross Jones
11. Rhys Webb
12. Tom Habberfield
Thousands of pounds have been raised for local good causes since the inaugural clash between the two teams in 2009, with this year’s beneficiary charity confirmed as Sports Chaplaincy UK, a registered charity that provides pastoral care to sporting organisations and competitors.
The two teams will once again go head to head at Mumbles’ picturesque Marespool Ground at Plunch Lane with the first ball set for 4.00pm, ahead of what is always a relaxed and family friendly environment enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Admission will be just £3 with free admission for U16's, and facilities for supporters on the night will include a barbecue and bar facility, with proceeds from entry and a collection on the night going to this year’s nominated charity.
Mumbles Cricket Club's history extends over 100 years and today it fields three League XIs on Saturdays and eight Junior League and Cup sides. The 1st XI competes in the South Wales Premier Cricket League. Having finished as runners-up in 2013, the Club went one better last year, clinching the Premier League title with a game to spare. In 2008, the club was awarded with the prestigious ECB Clubmark accreditation. The Marespool ground has Minor Counties status after hosting one-day cup fixtures for Wales, and will be hosting Glamorgan’s 2nd XI for their 3 Day Championship game against Hampshire at the end of August.
Please note that, for this game, there will be no parking facilities available within the ground itself.