Nottingham connected
21
BELVOIR CASTLE CRICKET MATCH
& COUNTRYSIDE TRUST
By Leikeisha Walters
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Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust and the Duchess
of Rutland extended a hand to welcome the Maasai
Cricket Warriors, hosting a T20 cricket match at Knipton,
followed by an invitation-only dinner at Belvoir Castle on
Wednesday 29th August 2018.
The Trust’s mission is to encourage participating in cricket
in rural communities and to create access to cricket and
the countryside for disadvantaged young people. Their
target groups are young people who want to play cricket
and enjoy the countryside, adults who want to develop
their coaching skills, and families that want to strengthen
their community ties through sport.
The event consisted of a 20 over a side match against
the stunning backdrop of Belvoir Castle, watched by
none other than the Duchess of Rutland herself. Making
a special appearance for the Duchess XI side and playing
against the Maasai Cricket Warriors and fellow lady
cricketer Malawua, was Ugandan cricketing star Naomi
Kayondo.
It was quite unique to see two female sporting heroines
on the same pitch, alongside their male counterparts -
doing what they are all equally passionate about.
The tournament saw both teams draw level for most of
the match. The Duchess XI, skippered by former Surrey
and Nottinghamshire left-hander Darren Bicknell, scored
141-3; the Maasai XI made 125-8, leading the Duchess XI
to a 16-run victory. The maasai cricket warriors were then
invited for a tour of the castle followed by a 3 course meal
hosted by the Duke and Dutchess of Rutland, Sir John
Peace and Darren Bicknell. The warriors then engaged the
guests with a traditional dance.