A STALWART of the Darlington and District Cricket League is celebrating his 50th birthday by staging a charity match this weekend.
Instead of a traditional bash to mark his unbeaten half century, Richard Mallender has organised a game between Cliffe CC, where he plays as a top order batsman, and a St Teresa’s Select XI, with the Darlington hospice benefiting from all money raised during the afternoon.
Richard will captain the St Teresa’s XI, which will feature a number of cricketing comrades he has played alongside over the years.
Born and raised in Sheffield, Richard has worked his way north, playing cricket at Bedale and Willington.
After a break from the game, he joined Cliffe in 2010 and has since captained the side as well as taken on the role of club secretary.
He has also served on the Darlington and District League’s executive committee.
The charity game takes place on Sunday, August 11, at Cliffe’s picturesque ground near Piercebridge.
He said the idea of staging a charity match came during a chat with his wife and family about how he would like to celebrate his landmark birthday.
“Cricket has been a huge part of my life since being a youngster,” he said.
“I’ve made some lifelong friends through the great game and had an enormous amount of fun along the way.
“I’ve had the honour of visiting St Teresa’s to see the amazing work they do on behalf of people with life-limiting illnesses.
“It was both humbling and inspiring to learn of what goes on in this incredible place, which doesn’t receive any government funding,” he added.
He promises Sunday’s game will be “nothing too serious”.
“It will be 30 overs a side and hopefully everyone will get a bowl and a hit.”
Both captains will nominate a man-of-the-match at the end of proceedings.
“Let’s hope the weather is kind to us, everyone has a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and, most importantly, we are able to raise a nice amount of cash for such a fantastic charity.”
Richard has set up an online fundraising page to support the match. Anyone wishing to support his efforts can do so at www.justgiving. com/fundraising/richard-mallender4.
