Maasai Warriors play a special cricket match in the Vale of Belvoir

The occasion involved a team representing the Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust hosting the famous Maasai Warriors cricket team in the spectacular setting of Belvoir Castle, at Knipton.

The game, against a Duchess of Rutland XI, was held to promote the touring Kenyans’ culture and charity work on a range of global issues and conservation projects such as the End FGM Campaign, modern slavery and protection of the white rhino.

The Warriors play in their traditional clothing of blood-red shukas and bright, beaded necklaces and draw on their skills of spear throwing and using a shield to bat and bowl.

The Duchess XI, skippered by Darren Bicknell, won the toss and scored 141-3 in their allotted 20 overs, with Tom Neville making 63.

In reply, the Masaai XI made 125-8 so the Duchess XI won by just 16 runs.

Following the match, a dinner was held in the State Dining Room at Belvoir Castle. Guests included the Duke of Rutland and the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace.

The Warriors’ tour was hosted by the Mojatu Foundation and Nottingham Trent University and, as well as cricket, also included a fashion and music show, film screening, a conference and a farming event.

Mr Bicknell, chief executive of the cricket trust, said: “We were delighted to host this event and support such a good cause.

“A fantastic day was had by all.”