Stars pad up for Hereworth fundraising match
A school fundraising event with a twist will see a star studded line-up hit the cricket pitch this summer.
Hereworth School in Havelock North is hosting a celebrity 20/20 cricket match that will raise proceeds for St John Ambulance.
Several former sporting heavyweights and celebrities will pad up and play, including big hitting former Black Caps Mark Greatbatch, Craig McMillan and Shane Thomson.
The trio will line up alongside and against bowlers Ewen Chatfield and Simon Doull and other big names, including former All Blacks Marc Ellis and Danny Lee, and former Tall Black Brendon Pongia.
Former first class cricketer Graham Burnett and current Hawke's Bay captain James de Terte will also join the ranks.
Event co-organiser Linda Calder said three Hereworth pupils will also play, and the rest of the positions in the teams were snapped up immediately after being offered for sale.
"It's fantastic to have so many celebrities on board," she said. "It has been several months in the making and will be one of the biggest (events) in the school's 85-year history."
Ms Calder said the event, to be held on February 24, offered catered lunch and after match function packages to the public.
"All the high profile participants have offered their time for free, and local sponsors have jumped at the chance to lend support.
"With the match running into the late afternoon, we encourage families to come and watch from the sidelines when school finishes."
General admission tickets can be purchased on the day for $5. For more information go to www.hereworth.school.nz/2020cricket
