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Celebs hit sixes in PE

Port Elizabeth - Some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment will come out to bat for charity at the Celebrity Cricket Sixes tournament in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, September 24.

Spectators at Kemsley Park will see a host of former national sportsmen and celebrities face off in 10 six-a-side matches in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa and JAG Foundation.

Organiser Laurence Finn said the positive response to last year’s inaugural event in PE had made it the natural choice as kick-off venue for the nationwide tour, which consists of six tournaments.

“Every one of the players has given his time for free. They realise this is for a great cause as well as a lot of fun.”

Finn said each of the six teams would be captained by a national cricket legend while the remainder of the team would be made up of a provincial cricketer, rugby legend, two non-cricketers and a local businessman.

He said Dave Callaghan, Eldine Baptiste, Kenny McEwan, Pieter Strydom and Rudi Bryson are among the legends “selected” to lead a team. They will be assisted by Chevrolet Warriors players such as Corbyn Dolley, Reece Williams and Basheer Walters.

According to Finn, the cricketers would either be helped or hindered in their quest for victory by former Springbok rugby players Chad Alcock, Robbie Kempson and De Wet Barry as well as EP Kings team-mates Jaco Engels, Jaco van Schalkwyk and Mzwandile Stick.

“The funny part is that it’s the rough, tough rugby players who are most afraid of the little red ball.”

Adding to the fun will be sundry sportsmen like Olympic pole-vaulter Okkert Brits, javelin-thrower Philip Spies, former national superbike champion Arushen Moodley, racing driver Shaun Watson-Smith, golfer Titch Moore, wrestler Mark Beale and national jetski champion Brett Armstrong.

Former Mr South Africa Denver Burns, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s communications director Roland Williams and Cricket SA match referee Dev Govindjee are some of the businessmen who round out the teams.

Finn said the Hong Kong Sixes-style tournament would provide entertainment for the whole family.

“Six overs a side is the fastest form of cricket, so it’s fun and full of action. There is a lot of sledging and interacting with spectators.”

Besides the cricket action, Finn said there would be a beer garden, food and retail stalls and children’s entertainment.

“We will interrupt play (10:30) for the Rugby World Cup game between New Zealand and France. It will be shown live on the big screen, so spectators won’t miss a moment of the action.”

Gates open at 08:00, with the first match starting at 09:00. Tickets cost R20 for adults and R10 for children.

Bookings can also be made for the charity dinner on Friday, September 23. The cost of R2 500 for a table of 10 or R250 per person includes a spit braai.

At this event, celebrities will share their funniest stories under the theme “What happens on tour, stays on tour, or does it?”.

Captains will be introduced at the dinner and their teams - selected by way of a draw - announced.

The Celebrity Cricket Sixes will also visit Bloemfontein (October 16), Randburg (October 23), Pretoria (November 5), Durban (November 19) and Cape Town (November 26).

For more information, phone Laurence on 084 507 3175, visit www.celebrity6s.com, join the Facebook group or follow cricket6s on Twitter.


Former Protea cricket star Dave Callaghan (right) and former national superbike champion Arushen Moodley will take part in the Celebrity Cricket Sixes on Saturday, September 24, in aid of charity. (Richard Huggard)
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