In pictures: Pitch-perfect charity cricket day at Fenner’s, Cambridge

Former England bowler Phillip DeFreitas was the special guest at the annual Carter Jonas vs COEL Charity Cricket Day, which took place at Fenner’s last Thursday (9 July).

The popular event, which is now in its fourth year, was raising funds for local charities, The Phoenix Trust, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and CamSight.

COEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith Heppell

As in previous years, the match got off to a thrilling start, with both teams taking to the field in brightly coloured kits familiar to the T20 format.

With temperatures soaring, hydration breaks were introduced throughout the course of play.

Despite the heat, both teams delivered a competitive match.

After a close battle, the Carter Jonas team was declared the winners, chasing down COEL’s team total of 132 in just over 15 overs to finish on 134 for 2 and win by eight wickets.

The organisers set an ambitious target of raising £50,000 and had already reached £42,000 through sponsorship and ticket sales before the cricket day took place.

They are now hopeful of exceeding that target, with fundraising continuing through a silent auction that closes at the end of the day tomorrow (Thursday, 16 July).

COEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith Heppell

All proceeds from the auction will go towards the event’s fundraising total.

DeFreitas, who is now a member of the coaching staff at Leicestershire CCC, focusing on their Academy and 2nd XI squads, sat down with the Cambridge Independent to reflect on his career and the state of the game today.

“Leicestershire Academy has done really well,” he said.

“We’re not one of the bigger counties; we’re obviously one of the smaller counties, so the academy’s very important – and it’s been a very successful one at getting players through.”

DeFreitas, who played 44 Test matches for England, believes cricket is thriving.

“It is, definitely. Obviously you always hear about financial troubles, but I think if the counties are run properly, then they should be fine,” he suggested.

Reflecting on his playing career, Phillip singles out his England debut in 1986, in the first Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, as his standout memory.

“It was my first tour, I was 19 years old, and we won the Ashes,” he said, “and I’ll always remember the great players we had on that tour.

“As a youngster, to go on the tour with my heroes – your Bothams, your Lambs, the Gowers and so on – it was a special moment, especially winning in Australia as well.”

COEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith HeppellCOEL v Carter Jonas charity cricket match at Fenners. Picture: Keith Heppell

The event was supported by 38 sponsors, including:

Headline sponsors: Hive Group, First Intuition, The Gonville Hotel, Howes Percival, Mivida Wealth, Mantle Space, Green Building Design, Stantec, Owers Warwick Architects, Saffery, TSA Riley, Tees Law and This is Fuller.

Main Sponsors: AECOM, Grovemere Property, Duct Systems, Howard Group, TOP Road, Excel Carpentry Contractors Ltd, gunnercooke, The Good Plant Company, NFU Mutual, BCR Infinity Architects, Alan Boswell Group, Mick George, WT Partnerships, Cladspray Solutions, Accelerate Facilities, Tetra Consulting, CORE TP, QODA Consulting, Michelmores, HCR Law, CMP Architects Ltd, Neville Special Projects, Granta Land Ltd, Barnes Construction and Re-Leased.

Saffron Grange was an exclusive wine partnership and Workplace Risk Management also provided first aid sponsorship.