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Dartford MP Gareth Johnson's annual charity cricket match at Hesketh Park, Dartford

By: Tom Acres

Published: 00:00, 14 July 2016

Updated: 15:10, 14 July 2016

Between the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the finals of Wimbledon and Euro 2016, you’d be forgiven for overlooking another one of the weekend’s major sporting contests.

Sunday afternoon saw Dartford MP Gareth Johnson round up a crew of unlikely cricketers for his annual charity match against Dartford Cricket Club, hoping to secure a maiden victory.

Despite the early setback of being left three players short due to some last-minute withdrawals, the Johnson XI rallied to put on a spirited display.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson's annual charity cricket match. Dartford Mayor Cllr John Burrell and mayoress Eija with the team.

Most of the team may have been bowled out by children hardly any taller than the stumps, but only losing by 50 or so runs was considered a pretty decent result.

This reporter even managed to score a couple himself and – when given the chance – was able to bowl mostly in a straight line. No doubt more suited to pen and paper than bats and balls, though.

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Dartford won the 20/20 game after scoring 158, with Gareth Johnson’s XI scoring 110.

Spectators enjoyed the match.

More important than the match itself was the fundraising, with all in attendance at Hesketh Park dedicated to supporting both the cricket club and the nearby Arrow Riding Centre for the disabled.

To help raise funds, there was a tombola, a barbecue, face-painting stalls and bouncy castles.

A choir sings and signs

Mr Johnson said: “Both the Arrow Riding Centre and Dartford Cricket Club are fantastic assets to the local community and without the hard work of a great number of volunteers they would not be able to carry out their valuable work in the local area.

"I hope the money raised today will help both organisations continue to thrive.”

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