Sporting stars line up for charity match (From Gazette Series)

Sporting stars line up for charity match

Jack Russell is making a rare outing to play cricket at Stone on Sunday (July 3).

The former Gloucestershire and England wicketkeeper will play alongside former county fast bowler Mike Smith for international umpire Ray Julian's Celebrity XI at Swanley to help raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Gloucestershire stars Tim Hancock and Matt Windows will line up alongside their former colleagues in a side captained by former Warwickshire and Surrey all-rounder Jason Ratcliffe.

Other players include international footballer Russell Osman, international rugby referee Chris White and cricketers Keith Parsons (ex-Somerset), Steve Marsh (ex-Kent), Kevin Emery (ex-Hampshire), Simon Hinks (ex-Kent and Gloucestershire) and Matt Church (ex-Worcestershire and Gloucestershire).

The team has been put together by Ray Julian, who kept wicket for Leicestershire for seven years before becoming a first class umpire in 1972.

He retired four years ago but spends most of his summers travelling the county officiating in various matches and raising money for charity. The Meningitis Research Foundation was chosen by Stone CC after Ray invited the club to nominate a charity.

The game starts at 11.30am. Admission is £3, free for accompanied children. Beer and refreshments available all day.