20/20 Cricket Preview

Ali Wood

Two of Doncaster’s best known rugby clubs will face each other this weekend- but instead of doing battle with the oval ball, they’ll be donning whites and cricketing gear in a charity match to raise money for a local school’s disabled sports team.
Doncaster Knights will turn their attention to the round ball on Sunday (Aug 16) in a charity game and barbecue against fellow rugby union side Doncaster Phoenix- with the real winner on the day being the Danum Disabled Sports Team, made up of youngsters from Year 7 to Upper sixth at the secondary school.
Knights coach Lynn Howells has promised a strong line-up from his National One first team squad for the fixture, which has become an annual event and last year game attracted a crowd of more than 250 to Doncaster Town’s Bennetthorpe ground.
Phoenix, who have recently been promoted to Yorkshire Two and boast a new coach in former Zimbabwean international Doug Trivella, will be out for revenge after the Knight’s triumphed by 20 runs last year.
“Last year was a terrific occasion, with some great cricket being played, as well as everyone joining in to raise money for charity,’’ said Phoenix President Iain Lovell.
“Rumour has it that the Knights been doing some high-intensity cricket practice on their recent training camp in Wales as preparation, so we’ll have to be on top form to turn the tables after they beat us last year.’’
The Danum Disabled Sports Team encourages youngsters at the school to take part in a variety of sports, including athletics, basketball and orienteering and earlier this year returned from national finals with 30 medals.
The game at Doncaster Town starts at 2pm on Sunday. For more details contact Will Hircock at will.mora@shape-services.com