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Chris Tarrant's Lord's Taverners XI take on Bucklebury Cricket Club in annual clash, as big names from the worlds of sport, TV and radio play in Woolhampton




Cricket fans gathered at Douai Pavillion in Woolhampton for the annual cricket match on Sunday to watch Chris Tarrant's Lord's Taverners XI take Bucklebury CC - in an all-star charity clash.

The Taverners’ team comprised of sports, TV and radio stars, including big names from English cricket.

Chris Tarrants Lord's Taverners XI vs Bucklebury CC
Chris Tarrants Lord's Taverners XI vs Bucklebury CC

Keep scrolling down for more photos and the full story.

But to start the match it was over to Pippa Tarrant, executive producer of the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, who bowled the first over.

And most of the balls headed down the wicket after some helpful tips from ex-England captain, Mike Gatting, who was umpiring the match.

Chris Tarrants Lord's Taverners XI vs Bucklebury CC
Chris Tarrants Lord's Taverners XI vs Bucklebury CC

Chris Tarrant - on commentary with help from author Felix Francis - also helped sell raffle tickets in aid of young people with disabilities and from a disadvantaged community.

Bucklebury cricketer, Alex Bingley, said it had been a fantastic day for a very worthy cause.

“What a fantastic day we all had out on the field,” he added. “It is my absolute pleasure to reflect on a truly remarkable cricket match played — not just for the love of the game, but for a cause that is close to our hearts: charity. More specifically Lord’s Taverners - the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sport charity, empowering young people facing the challenges of inequality through cricket.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Lord’s Taverners team. They showcased not only their incredible talent but also their sportsmanship, playing with passion and integrity.

“It was a joy to witness such camaraderie on display. I hope that all in the crowd enjoyed the match as much as we did on the field.

“The support means everything, and it’s their enthusiasm that adds to the spirit of the game.

“To every player who took to the pitch, well done! Their dedication and effort have made this event a success, and it’s inspiring to see so many come together for a common cause.

“We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for another exciting match. Until then, let’s keep the spirit of charity alive and continue to make a positive impact together.”

Bucklebury Cricket Club took to the field first and kept the visitors to a slow start, with Jason Dodd - ex-Southampton player, hitting a few fours to help build a score for the Taverners.

The last over for Bucklebury in the 30 over match saw Eastenders’ star Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman in the show, with Chris Tarrant announcing on the commentary that he is “age 84 and half”.

Mr Walker faced three balls before getting of the mark.

On the last ball Tom Cooper lost his wicket trying to hit the ball to the offside.

A quick turn around and Bucklebury were out to bat chasing 133.

But before they headed out, ex-England cricketer Monty Panesar was on hand to give some tips to the Bucklebury cricket players on how to bat against spin.

Toby Tarrant, Radio X DJ and captain of the Lord’s Taverners, opened with some fast bowling.

He was also on hand in the third over to catch the ball, with some juggling skill and ended up on the floor to take the first wicket.

Chris Tarrants Lord's Taverners XI vs Bucklebury CC
Chris Tarrants Lord's Taverners XI vs Bucklebury CC

Mr Walker was back in action to bowl three overs and took a wicket too, with the team celebrating with him in style.

Mr Panesar took over from Mr Walker with the crowd wanting to see the former international in action.

The Lord’s Taverners were on course to win until Mark Abrams and Rob Dimmock formed a great partnership and scored the highest runs to help Bucklebury secure the victory.

Words and pictures by Phil Cannings.



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