Bar staff, cheese sellers and DIY fanatics on Broadway Market are padding up to take on London Fields’ finest in a one-off cricket match for charity.
Byron Knight, manager of the Off Broadway bar, is one of the players in the game against London Fields Cricket Club organised by Broadway Market founder Stephen Selby on July 18.
Proceeds will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Originally from Los Angeles, Byron admits that he doesn’t have a clue about cricket, but hopes to learn more when the team meets early next week: “My customers who are part of the cricket club asked me to take part, and I’d do anything for charity. I don’t know what the hell I’m going to be doing, but I’ll give it a go anyway.”
“I guess cricket is similar to baseball, but I’m slightly freaked out by the fact that it takes so long,” added Byron. “We might have some baseball on the side, just so I can feel like I’m at home.”
Staff at L’eau a la Bouche Café have also signed up to the event, and the group will meet early next week to start planning strategies.
London Fields Cricket Club is also planning a charity event for St. Joseph’s Hospice on July 4, which provides support to those in east and northeast London suffering from terminal illnesses. Eight teams will compete in the knockout tournament for the title of best cricketers in the borough.
Chris Skinner, the club president, is looking to attract a wide range of participants and spectators and beat the £500 raised last year. “Then we had a team representing Hackney Empire and one from a local pub. This year we hope to field a team entirely made up of comedians.
“The international team from Slovenia also came last year. We’re hoping to get them back.”
He is also keen to put aside competition for a good cause. “Of course we all want to win, but for the most part it’s all about having a fun day out.”
London Fields Cricket Club July 4 and 18 at London Fields, by the Lido. Contact londonfieldscc@gmail.com for more details
