Cricketers do their bit

Major Eric Ingram MBE presents NUSC with their new branded cricket shirts

Barmy Army Colts and Richmondshire scooped the prizes at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Indoor Super 6s Championship but the true winners were ABF The Soldiers Charity who received vital funds to assist soldiers injured in Afghanistan.

Barmy Army Colts, managed by Craig Pattison from Chester Le Street CC, defeated Sunderland University in the Trophy Final thanks to a match winning performance from Chris Martin making them the tournament's youngest winners.

Richmondshire defended their Super 4s title on Sunday in fine style thanks to captain Andy Fleming's outstanding performances.

However, for all the cricket played, every team was committed to fundraising for ABF The Soldiers Charity and tournament organizers NUSC-CC Elite were delighted to present cheques totalling over £225.

The charity’s North East Chairman, Major Eric Ingram MBE, explained how the money would be dedicated to the Current Operations Fund (COF) which due to the conflict in Afghanistan is seeing a 30 per cent increase upon its limited resources.

Major Ingram also presented NUSC players who were assisting on the day with shirts he hoped they would wear with pride throughout the 2010 season to show their continued public support for the charity.

Tournament Director John D Holland added: “What we presented to Major Ingram MBE can not be described as life changing but our hope is it is life improving for at least one soldier. Our players are very touched to have been asked to wear the charities logo in 2010 and that will I am sure inspire them to work even harder throughout the year.”