Chris Fountain goes over the top for the Foundation
Coronation Street actor and Town Foundation Patron Chris Fountain hit a six off the final ball to claim victory for his side in Sunday’s charity Twenty20 cricket match at Armitage Bridge CC.
Chris – who captained the Ex-Players and Guests XI – hit the six to defeat Mark Robins’ Huddersfield Town XI, who featured Chairman Dean Hoyle, Ambassador Andy Booth and Academy Manager Mark Lillis.
The day began at 11am with the LV=Britannia Rescue Under-9s Twenty20 tournament, which was won by Cumberworth. Everyone who participated in the tournament was presented with a medal by Manager Mark Robins and Dean Hoyle.
The main event followed shortly after with the teams – wearing personalised shirts courtesy of O’Neils Sports and match sponsors Balmforth &CO – taking to the field at 2pm. In a very close run game, which included Dean Hoyle taking the wicket of Chris Fountain in the first innings, it was the Coronation Street who hit the final and winning blow.
Club President David Taylor was the guest umpire on the day while match day PA Paul Ramsden provided on the pitch commentaries.
Supporter of the Charity, Mark Young, kindly stepped in on the day as the DJ.
Also, there were a number of stalls and attractions to keep fans entertained. The Foundation Teddy Tombola was on show featuring bears donated by local companies and fans, a stall selling cupcakes decorated in town colours and a Birds of Prey attraction.
Town Foundation’s Corporate Fundraiser Mandy Taylor, said:
“I am delighted to say that this event was a huge success on so many levels; to see a local cricket club, steeped in history spanning over 100 years stage such a family orientated, charitable event for The Town Foundation really is humbling.
“All the team players really entered into the spirit of the occasion and it was a pleasure to see them all on the day. The proceeds from the event will most certainly make a significant difference to our on-going work in the community”
Event organiser James Moorhouse of Armitage Bridge CC commented:
“I think the event has helped raise the profile of the charity and the work that it is doing. I can't thank the football club and our cricket club volunteers and the players enough for making the day a success.
“From a cricket perspective - Arnie Sidebottom doesn't look to have lost any of his skill with the bat or ball and Chris Fountain hitting a 6 to win the game for his team was fantastic. To date, we have calculated a total of £1358.55 raised, and express our thanks to all who attended, sponsored and provided donations and prizes”
