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“Freddie” Makes an Appearance at Hartley Wintney CC
“Freddie” Makes an Appearance at Hartley Wintney CC
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Visual i's was proud to host a table in the marquee as Hartley Wintney Cricket Club on Thursday 10th July, as the village once again welcomed Hampshire CCC to it’s historic surroundings, this time in honour of former England player John Crawley as he celebrates a well earned Benefit Year in 2008. Not only did Hampshire bring a full strength side to this picturesque corner of the county, but there was an enormous “surprise” appearance during the tea interval.
John Crawley boasts over 50 caps and 2000 runs for England which sit atop a First Class career stretching back over 18 years with a batting average of nearly 48. Technically very correct, “Creepy” is recognised the world over as one of the best on-side players in the game and a tremendous player of spin, whilst possessing an exceptionally fluent cover drive. As recently as 2006 John topped the County Championship First Division Averages with 1737 runs including 6 centuries.
With less than 18 hours to go until the start of the game, the ground was literally a lake, as a months worth of rain fell in less than a day and threatened to ruin what is typically a spectacular day for players and spectators alike. But a phenomenal mopping up job commenced at 5.30am on the day in question, including 3 leaf blowers used for 4 hours to dry the playing area, and the game commenced on time at 2pm – despite a light shower of rain making a brief appearance around 1.30 pm.
Visual i's table consisted of Clients, Colleagues and Friends who all took full advantage of the first sunny (if not baking hot) day for some time, whilst being entertained by a full strength Hampshire side which included Nic Pothas, Michael Carberry, Sean Irvine & Michael Lumb plus last years beneficiary, England’s Dimitri Mascarenhas. One Visual i's guest, Brian Wilkinson, won a Spa & Pampering day at Pennyhill Park Hotel, Bagshott in the ever-popular "Heads & Tails" game.
After the visitors scored an impressive 384 in their 35 overs, the tea interval took its usual format of a raffle draw, and a fund raising auction of assorted sporting memorabilia. Unknown to everyone other than John Crawley himself, it was at this moment that England’s rehabilitating hero Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff arrived, along with Lancashire team mates Dominic Cork and Glen Chapple. These former Lancashire team mates of John’s were in the area ahead of their 4 day Championship Match against Hampshire at The Rose Bowl the following day.
Shaun Udal (ex Hampshire, now of Middlesex) hosted a brief Q & A session for an intently listening crowd, before the three unexpected “stars” happily signed autographs and posed for pictures with spectators of all ages.
After the tea interval, Hartley Wintney made an excellent showing, coming up just short of victory scoring 377 – a 7 run defeat - with Alex Sciarretta scoring a quick-fire century following earlier showings from two Matt’s, Evans & Digweed, amongst others.