L-R Jim Daniels, Ryan Jones, Jon Hollins

Game conversion for rugby greats

A selection of Wales’ Grand Slam stars will be swapping their red rugby shirts for whites when they take part in a charity cricket match next month in Ponthir.

Former Welsh rugby coach, Mike Ruddock will lead the star-studded players’ team as they take on 11 Gwent businessmen in the 40/40 game at Ponthir Cricket Club on Sunday 20th July at midday.

Welsh rugby captain Ryan Jones will be one of the players in Mike Ruddock’s Sport Stars XI hoping to raise money for Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, Latch.

Now in its fifth year, the annual event, organised by Hope Cymru, has raised over £20,000 for a number of Welsh charities, including Ty Hafan and Barnado’s Cymru.

Says Jim Daniels, chairman of Hope Cymru: “Our annual cricket match has proved to be a huge success. Not only is it a great opportunity to meet some of Wales’ rugby heroes, but it is a fantastic day out for all the family and a perfect chance to raise some much needed funds for a really worthwhile Welsh charity. We hope that everyone will join us this year for what promises to be a great day.”

Last year, over 500 people turned up to support the event when Colin Charvis’ celebrity team beat the Gwent business team by 20 runs.

As well as the 40/40 match, this year’s event will also feature a barbeque, face painting, bouncy castles, hog roast, candy floss machine and the chance to meet and get autographs from rugby stars including Kevin Morgan, Ian Gough, Rhys Thomas and Ashley Smith.

In addition, event sponsors National Property Professionals will also be providing some great raffle and auction prizes to help raise the most money possible for Latch on the day.