Sunday 9 May 1999
Meeting Fox-y ladies one of the perks of the job
Luckily for me, my wife Sue took this photo. Obviously it took some
convincing, but as she was in control of the shot I got away with it.
Every season, each County side offers a benefit year to one of its
long-serving players. For Middlesex, it is Phil Tufnell's year to host a
benefit. As part of the year, the beneficiary organises celebrity
cricket matches, six-a-side tournaments, golf days and auction dinners.
For the player it is a marvellous opportunity to raise large amounts of
money, which act as a token of appreciation for their service and
entertainment, from their clubs.
Being one of the highest profile player's in England, 'Tuffers' has been
able to organise a couple of very entertaining and well attended
functions. Today the Phil Tufnell International XI took on the Bunbury's
Cricket Club. The Bunbury's are a club run by writer David English who
play all around the country raising money for charity and helping out
various beneficiaries. Celebrities from all fields turn out for David to
take part in these very light hearted and friendly games of cricket. At
one stage I was batting with 20 fieldsman taking up every available gap
on the field, and most of them were holding a glass of wine or talking
in deep conversation with their nearest fielding partner. While it isn't
played with the same venom as the Ashes it is a most enjoyable way to
spend a Sunday afternoon.
Ex-page three girl and pop star, Samantha Fox, is a regular attendee to
a Bunbury's cricket game and it has now become tradition for her to bowl
the first over of the game. Not one to miss an opportunity, I decided to
have a photo with her as a souvenir of the day. Considering I am pretty
short myself, I was amazed at how small she is in real life. Apart from
the good looks, she turned out to be a fantastic lady, who was only too
happy to pose for yet another photo.
It is amazing the perks of the job you gain from playing cricket.
From London, JL
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