THERE were certainly no sticky wickets for two pub teams in Tadley as they battled it out for victory - and for a good cause.

Spectators came out to see the match on Sunday, 19 August between the two local rivals, as they both took to the crease to raise money for the Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

The teams came from The Plough Inn, in Little London, and The Calleva Arms, in Silchester to play a friendly cricket game for the benefit of this year’s chosen charity, the Ark.

The match, held at Silchester Cricket Club, was hotly contested but the team from The Plough Inn managed to beat the140-run target set by The Calleva Arms squad.

They managed to scrape in just under the wire, with three balls of their 20 overs to spare.

Overall, through the support of the players and the spectators, who had a barbecue and held a raffle, the day raised a total of £1,651.24 for the Ark.

Winning manager John Nichols said: “It was my turn to pick this year’s charity and I chose Ark as a member of my family had breast cancer a few years ago and was treated in the radiotherapy unit at Basingstoke hospital.

“I wanted this year’s game to support a charity that will help many people in the local community, and I am delighted that such a good sum has been raised for Ark.”

John added: “I am grateful to everyone who donated raffle prizes and supported the event, and I am particularly grateful to Peter Howells and his team from Silchester who were the driving forces behind organising the charity cricket match.”

The Gareth Donnelly Trophy – named in memory of the former Silchester Cricket Club wicket-keeper – was presented to The Plough Inn for display for a year.

Merv Rees, Ark Cancer Centre Charity trustee, said: “Ark is grateful for this show of support from the two village pub cricket teams, and from everyone who came along to enjoy the afternoon and support the charity.”

“Community backing like this is so important to Ark and the cancer treatment centre project, and it is very much appreciated.”