THE LASHINGS WORLD XI EVENT - FRIDAY 2nd OF AUGUST 2019

 The project was costed out and prices obtained from marquee suppliers and caterers. Still the project was viable. Our dream of Lashings returning to East Lancashire for the first time since 2008 was still intact. The next step was to try to attract a major sponsor: this was to prove to be one of the easier steps. John Curran after speaking to Howard Cook and Graham Jones of Heineken announced that the brewery were in! One of the major hurdles was overcome. Further financial support was forthcoming when the Social Club agreed to fund the Lashings coming to Rishton. Things were certainly looking promising – the final hurdle that was to be overcome was to convince Lashings that bringing their All Stars Roadshow to East Lancashire was good for them to.

The Lashings have been described as “The Haarlem Globetrotters” of cricket. They are a team comprising of mainly international cricketers (some past, some present) who travel the country playing teams just like ours at Rishton. The package with Lashings is not just a game of cricket. The day starts with a Junior Coaching session overseen by The Lashings providing a never to be forgotten day for the Juniors honoured to be there. This is followed by a Luncheon where funds are raised for the Host Club. After lunch the main event takes place: a game between a representative team of the host club and The Lashings World XI. Finally, as with all higher profile cricket matches there is the awards ceremony and Rishton’s game with Lashings will be no different even to the point that the event will last long into the night with further live entertainment.  

All was primed and ready to go as far as Rishton Cricket Club were concerned but one thing was still missing: Lashings had not yet agreed to play Rishton CC. In order to clear this final hurdle, we invited Lashings director Dave Fitzgerald to visit us at Rishton. One August afternoon Dave pulled onto Rishton Cricket Club Car Park in his Lashings Sponsored Car to view our club. Unbeknown to John Curran and myself who was also present at the meeting Dave had done his research on the club by looking at the profile of the club on Social media. Once he saw the club he openly admitted that he was impressed by what he saw. A tour of the clubhouse and the pictures of our past professionals adorning the walls further convinced Dave that the Lashings holding a game against Rishton Cricket Club would be a good deal for both parties. A deal was agreed in principle with Dave returning south to put our case to his fellow directors. 

 A few days later Dave Fitzgerald informed me that the game was on. All we as a club had to do was to organise it…That process is still ongoing but so far so good. 

 Obviously at this stage the actual make up of the Lashings line is not known. However we are able to reveal that confirmed as being in attendance on August 2 at Rishton Cricket Club will be ex West Indian opening batsman Gordon Greenidge who is the teams manager/coach. Former England stars Chris Lewis, Devon Malcolm and John Emburey have also been confirmed along with former Indian Test Batsman Wasim Jaffer. As and when further names are confirmed they will be published on social media.

Tickets for the Event are now on sale and are selling fast. Should you wish to purchase any tickets please contact either Andy Procter or John Curran.  Prices are shown on the document below:

The club are delighted to announce that Heineken Brewery are confirmed as the Marquee and Match Sponsor.