PLAYERS GO IN TO BAT FOR CHARITY

FROM ANN BOULTON

Alby Shale may have cracked the Guinness World Record for Longest Individual Net Session (male) as recently as July 15 this year. But if Billingborough cricketer Dave Newman has his way, the Oxford University student won’t hold the title for long.

Dave and fellow player Richard Wells aim to add to Shale’s 26 hour record and they are now looking for a steady string of bowlers to work in shifts and for witnesses to verify the record attempt.

“There are strict conditions to setting a world record and we need several witnesses, including one official one, that is someone within the sport who will stay throughout the whole event,” Dave said.  “Also if it can be arranged, a sports timer that can be in view of the camera at all times.

“We will be holding the record attempt in the new year at Northgate Sports Hall in Sleaford from Thursday 30th January, starting at 12 noon.and going through to Saturday. 

“We’re really grateful to head teacher Nick Law for arranging this for us.  He’s volunteered some of his students to bowl for us and will also try and get us some bowlers from Caythorpe Cricket Club.

“Guinness World Records have agreed that two of us can do it and be joint holders of the record so obviously we are aiming for over 48 hours.”

Dave and Richard will be raising money for Brain Tumour Research after Billingborough player Wayne Chessum had two tumours removed within the last two years.

“Wayne is now back fully fit and enjoying the experience of playing in the 1^st XI,” Richard explained.

“The cricket club has been directly affected by seeing what he has been through and we would like to raise money so that hopefully other people can have the quickest and best treatment possible.

“We want to give something back to the brain tumour research team because their research has helped Wayne hugely.”

If possible, Dave and Richard would like players from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire or Leicestershire first class counties to start the challenge off by bowling a few overs.

For further details or to offer support for the world record attempt, ring Dave Newman on 07984 908234.

• Dave already holds one world record, having played darts with Shaun Robinson continually for 48 hours at The Nags pub in Helpringham.  According to the World Record Academy this is the longest darts playing marathon and the pair raised more than £1000 for the Waddington Cancer Care Ward at Lincoln Hospital.