Press Release – Thursday 15th March 2007

Essex and Southend set for Bank Holiday match-up

Essex County Cricket Club will take on Southend United Football Club in a Twenty20 charity cricket match on Monday May 7th at Roots Hall.

Essex Captain Ronnie Irani will lead a strong Eagles line-up against the might of the Southend United first-team squad, selected by their manager Steve Tilson. 

The game is a fundraiser for the Essex & Southend Sports Trust (EASST) public appeal to raise funds for the Cricketing Centre of Excellence at Garon Park, Southend. All proceeds will be split between this and the Southend United Community and Education Trust (SUCET). The winners will receive the EASST Challenge Trophy.

Essex Captain Ronnie Irani said: “I’m relishing playing a match at Roots Hall although I’m not too sure whether to wear cricket or football boots! Hopefully I’ll be able to score at both ends of the pitch that afternoon!”

Southend manager Steve Tilson is looking forward to swapping his football boots for cricket whites.

“I’ve played a little bit of cricket before but never against professionals,” said Tilson, 40.

“Quite a few of the lads are fans of the game and it should be a good occasion for two good causes.”

Conventional Twenty20 rules and regulations will apply with a few innovations mixed in (to be revealed during the build-up).

Play will start at 2.30pm with a finish expected at approximately 5.30pm (ground opens at 1.30pm).

There will be special guest commentators, a raffle and exciting competitions on the day for spectators to play their part in what promises to be a thrilling Bank Holiday Monday for all the family.  

Auctions will take place in the lead-up to the game on the Essex CCC and Southend United FC websites to win the chance to be the 12th man for each side.

Check out www.essexcricket.org.uk and www.southendunited.co.uk for more information on that and all the latest news ahead of a classic match-up between the county rivals.

Tickets:

Adults

£10 (in advance)

£12 (on the day)

Concessions (16 and under/60 and over)

£5 (in advance)

£6 (on the day)

Family Ticket (only available to purchase in advance)

£12 (1 x Adult/1 x Junior)

Tickets will be available soon from Roots Hall, the Southend United FC website (www.southendunited.co.uk) and a limited number will be on-sale from The Ford County Ground (not including family tickets). 

Corporate packages are available for the match through both Southend United FC and Essex CCC. For more information contact Brian Wheeler (Tel: 01702 304147/email: brianwheeler@southend-united.co.uk) or Perry Norton (Tel: 01245 254000/email: perry.norton.essex@ecb.co.uk) 

Ends

15 March 2007