Mumbles Cricket Club will be out for revenge when they welcome to the Ospreys for the annual charity 20/20 match, which has been confirmed for Friday 1st August.
A dramatic victory for the Ospreys last summer, when video analyst Craig Maloney smashed two sixes in the final over to secure the win with a solitary ball to spare, saw the Ospreys edging ahead in the series 2-1 and another exciting evening of sporting contest is guaranteed.
Thousands of pounds have been raised for local good causes since the inaugural clash between the two teams in 2009, with £2000 donated to Velindre’s Victory Over Cancer campaign after last year’s fixture.
The opening game in 2009 saw Mumbles claiming a comfortable 41 run victory, before Ben John hit a match winning last over six in 2011 to secure an unexpected win. The 2010 and 2012 games were rained off.
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 which is to be confirmed.
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said he’s hoping to see another big turn out for what is now a well established fixture in the pre-season schedule.
“It’s always a pretty special evening which everyone in attendance fully enjoys. There’s obviously a serious side to it, with a substantial amount of money being raised for a good cause, but it also allows us to spend some time out in the community as a group, in an environment where the team can relax and get to know some of our supporters.
“There’s always a good turnout and I’ve no doubt that following our win last year the competitive edge to the game will be ratcheted up a few notches as Mumbles will definitely want to get their own back.
“Once again, we are grateful to our friends at Mumbles Cricket Club for their kind invitation to host this game once again.”
Simon Lloyd, Treasurer Mumbles Cricket Club, added:
“All of us at the Club are proud of our on-going role within the community, hosting many fund raising events for junior schools in the area well as for local and national charities. The work that we have been doing with the Ospreys during the last five years has been an integral part of extending this involvement, and is certainly now an annual headline event in our calendar to which all our loyal supporters and players look forward immensely. Many thanks again to our friends within the Ospreys' camp.”
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.
Further details of the day, including news of the beneficiary charity and confirmation of the full Ospreys XI, will be brought to you closer to the date.
Please note that, for this game, there will be no parking facilities available within the ground itself.