A celebrity cricket match hosted by Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans raised more than £5,000 for three local charities.
More than 500 people turned out to watch the Emmerdale All Stars team go head to head with an MP and celebrity team at Northwich Cricket Club on Sunday (June 29).
The match, sponsored by Roberts Bakery, was in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, Halton Haven Hospice and The Joshua Tree.
Players for the Emmerdale team included Matthew Wolfenden who plays the soap’s David Metcalfe, Chris Chittell who plays Eric Pollard, Bhasker Patel who plays Rishi Sharma and Natalie Anderson who plays Alicia Metcalfe.
Mr Evans’ team featured Stephen Mosley MP, Edward Timpson MP, comedian Nick Hancock, former international rugby player Ikram Butt and Secret Millionaire star Mo Chaudry.
After winning the toss, Emmerdale All Stars chose to field while the MPs and celebrities took to the crease, notching up a very respectable 164 runs in 30 overs.
After a short break, it was the Emmerdale team’s turn to bat and, battling hard, they came within a whisker of snatching victory in the final over.
The match concluded with a nail-biting finish which saw the MP and celebrity team win.
Chris Chittell won ‘moment of the match’ for his bowling technique, while Nick Hancock won ‘man of the match’.
The awards, along with the Weaver Vale Winner’s Trophy, were presented by music mogul Pete Waterman.
A self-proclaimed ‘enthusiastic lover of cricket’, Mr Evans said: “This was a fantastic day which saw hundreds of families from Weaver Vale, Cheshire and across the country, come together for a cracking match and three really important local causes.
“Obviously, I am delighted that the MP team snatched victory from the Emmerdale team in a very tight game indeed.
“I would like to thank everybody who has contributed to make this such a fantastic day – the sponsors, players, helpers, our hosts Northwich Cricket Club who have worked tirelessly, and above all, the public for coming along to watch.
“I couldn’t have wanted for a better day. We were reliant on the weather and expecting thunderstorms but the weather was fantastic.
“So far we have raised over £5,000, with some donations still to be made. This is a phenomenal amount and will be divided between our three deserving local charities – The Joshua Tree, Halton Haven and St Luke’s Hospice.
“It was a magnificent day for everyone concerned – thank you all for contributing.”
