Howzat for a fundraiser?

An annual cricket game strolled back to the crease this year and raised over £1,100 for local good causes.

Sir John Hayes’s annual Lords and Commons XI match with Moulton Harrox Cricket Club returned on Sunday, August 29 in the village.

The host club took the win, regaining the trophy from Sir John’s team who had retained it in the last match in 2019.

The MPs side included Chris Heaton-Harris, Tom Pusglove, Peter Bone and Karl McCartney as well as Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones.

“It was a really great occasion and it was a delight to be able to play after last year’s cancellation,” Sir John said. “We had a lot of support from those who attended and local businesses in groups who contributed to the raffle.

“We raised over £1,100 which will go towards local charities.

“We’ll sit down in a few weeks and decide which charities it should go to.”

In the format each batsman batted for six overs with a five runs deducted for getting out.

Sir John described his batting style as “more Test Match than The Hundred” but was pleased not to get out before taking a wicket with his off-spin bowling in tandem with son William who took 2-15.

“It was good to get back to some normality 22 years after we first started the game albeit while still being diligent with our social distancing.” Sir John continued. “It’s good for the community to come together without the fear we’ve endured recently.”