Cricketers from all parts of the country, as well as a host of Sri Lankan stars, will converge on Newport cricket club tomorrow for a benefit day organised by the club’s professional, Rasika.
The popular Sri Lankan, in his second spell with Newport after spending two years at Wem, has made many friends in the town and beyond during his time in this country, and there is sure to be a big crowd for what promises to be an afternoon of non-stop action and high quality cricket.
Four teams have been put together – including a team of players from the Penrith area which will feature several players who represented Sri Lanka A.
The four teams will compete in three Twenty-20 format games, the two successful sides in the first two rounds meeting each other in a final.
Rasika’s side also features Newport skipper Stuart Blount and opening bowler Jonty Mountford. They will be joined by among other Dave Vass from Whitchurch and Sri Lankan players P.B. Ediriweera and N. Shiroman.
Matt Batters, whose company Tafs Fencing is sponsoring the day, is also in the Rasika line-up. Second team skipper Pat Davenport captains the Newport XI which also includes former skipper Andy Williams, and Chris Woodcock, who spent two years with Newport before joining Cannock this season.
Rasika spent two seasons with Wem, helping them gain promotion to the Birmingham League for the first time, and the North Shropshire side send a team for the day, which includes ‘guests’ Adam Byram from Wellington and ex- Newport all rounder Dennis Hampton.
Also guesting for Wem is fast bowler/batsman D. De Silva and leg spinner batsman S. Silva.
The team from Penrith, will also include a number of Sri Lankan stars and they are sure to want to make a big impact after making a long journey to support the event.
The action starts at 12.30pm and everyone is invited to support Rasika on his special day.
Club chairman Bob Williams said: “Rasika has worked very hard to organise this day and the cricket club is delighted to be able to help and support him.
“The whole town got behind the club and Rasika when we organised our Tsunami appeal and we hope that as many people as possible will again show their support for him on Sunday.
