The six-a-side tournament in aid of former Worcestershire groundstaff member Martin Watts was a resounding success and a sun-drenched day at New Road produced a dramatic climax to the final.
Worcestershire wicket-keeper-batter, Ben Cox, smashed the game’s final delivery for six to earn his team, Mottram Hay And Straw, victory over the Birmingham League side.
Cox had initially retired not out on 25 – the mandatory figure to leave the crease for any batter – but was allowed to come back and then hit Brad Fallon over the mid-wicket boundary.
It enabled his side to chase down a target of 108 in the five-over competition in which everyone, bar the keeper, bowled one over.
The Plate Competition was won by Pridgeon’s Vets, who defeated Hemel Hempstead Town CC 2 in the final.
Phil Newport and Martin Weston, key figures for Worcestershire during their triumphs of the 1980s and 1990s, were part of the Vets squad.
The day helped raised some significant funds for Martin, who had to retire from his post at New Road because of injuries and also has been the prime carer for both his parents in recent years.
Worcestershire Vice-Chair Paul Pridgeon, who played a big role in organising the day, said: “What has been raised, I can assure you, will make a big difference to Martin’s life.
“He has had many challenges over the past few years, and a big thank you to everyone who has contributed and played their part.”
The eight teams each included one Worcestershire professional in Ben Cox, Henry Cullen, Joe Leach, Adam Finch, Ed Pollock, Dillon Pennington, Olly Davidson and Josh Tongue-Taylor Cornall.
The Player Of The Tournament Award went to Billy Jones of Hemel Hempstead Town CC 2, who scored 124 runs in the competition.
