Darren Beckford sees the funny side of the 'keeper's sledging

Captains Phil Sproson and Gary Stanyer

A masterful stroke from the former Valiant

The only downer on what was a splendid evening of cricket was the fact that, due to the postponement of the original fixture because of bad weather, many of the local football stars who had agred to turn out found themselves involved in pre-season fixture programmes that did not allow for their presence.

Two legendary ex-valiants who did make it, however, were the ever-beefy Darren Beckford and, allegedly playing cricket for the first time, Jon McCarthy. Their presence was bolstered by that of South African international star Justin Kemp, former India international Rudra Singh, and a host of overseas professionals gathered by Kidsgrove captain Gary Stanyer for the select XI.

The beer flowed, the sun shone, and the whole event was covered live on Signal Radio by M.C. George Andrews, broadcasting his Friday night show from the ground.

20/20 Cricket

Ensuring that Phil Sproson came good on his offer to 'do something for the fund' , the inaugural Sproson 20/20 Challenge took place at Kidsgrove Cricket Club on 1st August 2003. Taking part were Phil's own B Sports management side and a Kidsgrove select XI.