An incredible day was had by all who attended the Runs4Funds charity cricket match held at Althorp Estate on Saturday. Championed and organised by Steven Crook and his team, the day was filled with fun and frolics and some very entertaining cricket. 

Steven's ambition was to raise a large sum of money through his initiative, Runs4Funds for the charity Thomas' Fund which was established to provide music therapy for terminally ill children in Northampton. Using his vast cricket connections, plans started some months ago to organise a special day that would contribute much needed funds to the charity. Earl Spencer, as patron of Thomas' Fund, kindly offered the use of the private cricket pitch at Althorp.

Two teams, a mixture of past and present Northamptonshire players, celebrities, sportsmen and extremely brave volunteers, battled it out for the inaugural Runs4Funds trophy. The first innings was dominated by Laura Wright, the opera singer who bowled with the finesse of a pro and took out the prize wicket of Chris Rogers, former Aussie opener The tension continued throughout as Mike Haywood was bowled by team mate Ben Foden and then the moment the crowds had been waiting for - Graeme Swann bowling to Monty Panesar. 

During the tea break, the sun shone and the spectators enjoyed deck chairs and ice cream whilst the VIP guests bid furiously for special auction items, fuelled on mainly by good wine and Allan Lamb's enthusiastic compering. 

The second innings was no less enjoyable. Ben Duckett had a successful go at bowling, whilst Head Coach David Ripley suffered at the hands of Monty Panesar who also get a chance of revenge against Swanny! The crowds were very much treated with Harry Potter stars fielding alongside rugby stars, athletes trying to hit sixes off the best English spin around, a brilliant young musician called Gizmo who had never held a cricket bat before even scored an impressive 7!

The bar, which was certainly kept busy, has yet to finish counting the takings but we are sure that alongside the auction and a raffle, drawn by the one and only Jim Carter, the amount of money raised for Thomas' Fund will be significant. 

As a club, we are very proud of Steven's initiative and his dedication to helping those that need it. Nice one Crooky!

Ben Foden celebrates the demise of his teamate

Lucy Smith from Thomas' Fund with Jim Carter

The one and only Graeme Swann