As preparations continue for Friday's charity 20/20 match against Mumbles Cricket Club, the Ospreys have named their XI who will swap the rugby ball for a cork one in aid of LATCH, the Welsh Children's Cancer Charity.
The annual fundraiser gets underway at Mumbles picturesque Marespool Ground on Plunch Lane at 4.00pm, with admission costing just £3 (free entry for kids), with a barbecue available on site.
LATCH is a voluntary organisation set up to support the special requirements of the children's oncology centre in Wales, which is based at the Children's Hospital for Wales to help affected families and promote research in childhood cancer. The charity was formed in 1982 by a group of families and friends who recognised that the children and their families not only needed medical support, but also social and welfare support to ease the huge financial burden placed on families with a child on treatment.
Sean Holley will captain the Ospreys cricket team for a testing fixture against a Mumbles outfit who currently sit fifth in the Swalec Premier Cricket League, and he has named an XI that features a mix of youth and experience following a number of sessions at the regions Llandarcy HQ to identify the cricketing talent available.
OSPREYS XI TO FACE MUMBLES
Sean Holley, Barry Davies, James Goode, Matthew Torrance, Sam Davies, Ben John, Dan Biggar, Tom Smith, Kristian Phillips, Hanno Dirksen, Tom Grabham.
Umpire: Scott Johnson
Speaking ahead of the game, Tom Smith said:
Weve had some fun practicing for Friday, now its time to test ourselves and see if we are any good! We know that it will be tough, playing a very good side, but we aim to enjoy ourselves and see what can do in a different sporting environment.
The aim of the evening is to help Mumbles Cricket Club raise much needed funds for LATCH and we are delighted to be able to do that. Our cause is the region, and to always do the right thing for the Ospreylian community, and this is a fantastic way to illustrate that. After a great day with the jersey launch last weekend, were all looking forward to meeting more Ospreys fans at Mumbles on Friday night.
Mumbles Cricket Clubs history extends over 100 years and today it fields three League XIs on Saturdays, a Midweek League XI, and seven Junior League sides. In 2008, the club was awarded with the prestigious ECB Clubmark accreditation. The Marespool ground has Minor Counties status after hosting one-day cup fixtures for Wales.
The Met Office are currently predicting a bright, dry and fresh day on Friday with evening temperatures dropping no lower than 13C, making for perfect weather conditions for the match.
However, Ospreys officials have confirmed that even should rain prevent play on Friday, a meet and greet social event will go ahead at the Mumbles CC club house regardless, with supporters getting the chance to meet the entire Ospreys squad who will be present on the evening.
For the latest Met Office forecast visit click here