Craig Hignett lit up the inaugural Roy Simpson MBE Foundation Cricket Match by scoring an impeccable unbeaten 50 to lead Barron’s Blasters to victory.

The charity event, which took place at Peterlee Cricket Club on Sunday, saw two teams of former and current footballers switch sports to go head-to-head at cricket.

Former Hartlepool United duo Micky Barron and Graeme Lee captained the sides, and it developed into an intriguing contest which kept the crowd of well over 100 entertained.

Barron’s Blasters won the toss and put Spike’s Sloggers into bat and things looked bleak early on when the wickets of Spennymoor Town players Glen Taylor and Dan Rowe fell in quick succession.

However, Graeme Lee held firm at the other end and then Ian Clark steadied the ship with a decent knock before former Pools teammates Ryan Donaldson and Nicky Featherstone built a game-changing partnership.

In the end, the Sloggers set a challenging total of 132 as their innings came to a close just in time for a downpour which delayed the restart by around 15 minutes.

However, when play resumed, Barron’s men set about their run-chase with enthusiasm as opener Kevin Henderson showed good composure at the crease and skipper Barron looked the part with the bat.

It was former Middlesbrough star Craig Hignett who stole the show though. Having played himself in with some sensible cricket early on, the talented Scouser slowly began opening up with some boundaries and reached his half century with a gloriously struck six.

That set up Barron’s Blasters for the win and they duly got to their target with four balls remaining to claim the silverware at the first ever Roy Simpson MBE Trophy match.

Thanks to our Match Sponsors, Hartlepool United Supporters’ Association and to Jack Twydale who donated £100 to the Foundation in order to play in Micky Barron’s team.

Barron’s Blasters: Micky Barron, Michael Nelson, Craig Hignett, Kevin Henderson, Mark Tinkler, John Brackstone, Stephen Turnbull, Phil Turnbull, Gary Neasham, Jack Twydale, Jamie Footit.

Spike’s Sloggers: Graeme Lee, Ian Clark, Nicky Featherstone, Ryan Donaldson, Tommy Miller, Luke James, Matty Dolan, Gary Liddle, Carl Magnay, Glen Taylor, Dan Rowe.

Photo Credit: Mike Driver and David Nelson