Fundraising match to remember Paul '˜Chunky' Lawrence raises £1,600-plus for Loros

In a clash of two of the powerful batsman’s teams, Billesdon hosted Tilton on a wet evening for a 10-year memorial to Chunky.

With rain effecting the start of play, the two captains decided on a 14-overs-a-side game.

While a record crowd of more than 100 enjoyed the barbecue, bar and off-field entertainment, Tilton won the toss and batted first.

Openers Lloyds Miller (4) and Keith Gill (7) struggled against the new ball bowling of Steve Allen (2 for 15), but Ben Farnsworth (11) and skipper Dan Snaith put on a good 50 partnership with Snaith hitting four maximums in quick time in an impressive innings of 43.

Steve Burton (14) and Rob Welch (13) struck some lusty blows late on to take Tilton’s total to 122 from their 14 overs.

Ben Miles, Steve Allen, Matt Williams and Chris Elliott took two wickets apiece for Billesdon.

With the rain easing off, Billesdon all-rounders James Stiff (22) and Steve Allen (11) put 20 on the board in no time, the former with some lovely straight drives.

But once Tilton broke through thanks to Adam Seaton (2 for 20), Billesdon’s middle order struggled for runs and lost three cheap wickets as Lewis Williams (2 for 9) bowled very tight lines.

Man-of-the-match Chris Elliott played a near-match-winning innings of 59 not out with some huge hits over long on and extra cover before he had to retire.

He was assisted by Michael Browning who rolled back the years with 12 not out at the other end. But Billesdon couldn’t knock off the 15 runs required from the final two overs to win.

The Ass of the Day Trophy went to Luke Mitchell who failed to hit the ball off the square in his 10-ball innings much to the delight of the victorious Tilton team.

Event organiser Jo Spence said: “After all the rain, and not knowing if the evening would go ahead, it turned out to be a great day all round. Everyone had a great time remembering a great guy and legend.”