Starting at 2pm, headline names from the Bears and Wasps playing squads will be mixed into teams for a T20 cricket match that will be used to raise funds for the Warwickshire County Cricket Club Player Pathway and Wasps’ official charity, Zoe’s Place.
Having started in 2012, the Neal Abberley Memorial Trophy has been staged each year as a way of raising funds for great causes in memory of Bears’ legend Neal, who played for Warwickshire between 1964 and 1979 and was part of the coaching team from 1981 until his untimely passing in 2011.
It’s very exciting to partner with one of the world’s biggest rugby clubs and to bring together international cricketers and rugby players for this game.
Ian Bell
During his time as a Batting Coach for the Club, he worked closely with Bears and England batsman Ian Bell who will take to the field at Knowle & Dorridge on 12 August.
“Abbers was the first coach to pick me for the Bears junior teams and he made a massive impact on my career,” said Bell. “Whether it be during my time in the county age group teams or preparing for a Test match, he was always supporting me.
“He’s sorely missed by many, and this annual fixture has been a fantastic way for Bears supporters and players past and present to pay tribute to him. However, by working with Wasps we’re taking the event to a different level.
“It’s very exciting to partner with one of the world’s biggest rugby clubs and to bring together international cricketers and rugby players for this game. I’ve heard that a few of the Wasps lads have played cricket at a good standard, so I’m looking forward to playing with and against them on 12 August.”
Tickets for the Neal Abberley Memorial Trophy are now on-sale now from the Edgbaston Ticket Office, priced at £5 for adults, £1 for Under 16s and £10 for a family (two adults and two under 16s).
“This fixture is a fantastic idea to raise money for two worthy causes and it will be intriguing to see some of the UK’s top rugby players testing out their skills with a different type of ball,” said Stuart Cain, commercial director at Wasps.
“Elliot Daly used to play cricket at a high level before he opted for a career in rugby, as did some of the other players, and with the teams being mixed it has all the makings of a tight game, so I would urge any sports fan to come along to catch this unique opportunity.
“This match is a result of the strong, ongoing working relationships we are developing with wider West Midlands organisations and community groups, and we look forward to working with the Birmingham Bears on future opportunities.”
