The 20-over challenge match at Park Drive was between Hartlepool Cricket Club’s Over 40s football team and Hartlepool Cricket Club’s Over 40s cricket side.
In a competitive game, teams competed for the Danny Shurmer/James Parkinson Memorial Trophy, which was donated by Azalea Wealth Management – a financial services company in the town run by Harrison Smith.
Danny Shurmer, a former first team cricketer at Park Drive and an outstanding goalkeeper, passed away, aged just 43, following a cardiac arrest in 2021.
James Parkinson, a talented footballer and firefighter, died suddenly last September, aged 47 – just days after scoring the winning runs in last year’s charity cricket match.
The main sponsor of the event was Mega Clearance Outlet, located off Brenda Road, but it was also supported by numerous businesses and organisations, including Hartlepool Life.
The Over 40s cricket team batted first and posted a respectable 153 from their 20 overs. Karl Gippert and Jack Wilkinson both retired after reaching 30, whilst skipper Paul Jackson, Rob Mathieson and Stuart Salvin all chalked up scores in the 20s.
In reply, the Over 40s footballers put up a gallant effort but fell 14 runs short.
Craig Winstanley (26) and Jack Stonehouse (23) were well supported by Marty Hill, Alan Hoey and Liam Westmoreland who all reached double figures.
Danny Shurmer’s Mam (Pam) and James Parkinson’s daughter (Violet) presented the winning trophy to captain Paul Jackson.
There was also a Player of the Match award for the John Rae Memorial Trophy. The Park Drive stalwart, who died earlier this year, had connections with the club going back 80 years.
The award, adjudicated by match umpires Gavin Spaldin and Dennis Skilbeck, was won by Rob Mathieson following an impressive all-round performance which included runs, wickets and a brilliant boundary catch.
Rob – a former first team cricketer at Park Drive – had travelled all the way from his home in Ireland to play in the event.
Nic Smith, of the Hartlepool CC Over 40s football team, said: “It was a brilliant day, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for helping to raise such a sizable sum for our hospice. Alice House Hospice provides fantastic care and support to local people during a time of great need, and everyone has worked so hard to make the event a success and raise vital funds.”
Nic added: “It is also fantastic that the annual event is remembering three incredibly popular local people – Danny Shurmer, James Parkinson and John Rae – who were also well-known in the town for their sporting connections.”
Greg Hildreth, of Alice House Hospice, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who played their part in helping to fundraise. Alice House relies heavily on the support of the community and fundraising events like this make a real difference to the lives of our patients and their loved ones.”
Money was raised via business sponsorship, a raffle, football cards, a bucket collection, catering and an auction of sporting memorabilia.
Alastair Rae, Manager of the Hartlepool CC Over 40s cricket team, added: “I’d like to thank everyone who played their part in making the day such a huge success. It’s great that the charity match is now a permanent fixture in the Park Drive cricketing calendar and we’ll be looking to develop the event as we move forward.”
Scorer for the match was Aimee Scott. DJ Les Watts entertained the crowd during the day, whilst Lauren Chiverton and Park Drive’s very own Brad Frank provided the evening entertainment.
