The Dragons today supported a Summer Charity T20 cricket match at the home of Usk Cricket Club, with both the Dragons and Usk supporting two worthy charities throughout the day, with both being causes that the team will continue to support fundraising initiatives for throughout this year.
This year's collections and contributions will be raised for the Matt Hampson Foundation (on behalf of Ed Jackson) and the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust. Rhiannon's Trust was set up following the death of Rhiannon in a car crash in nearby Llandevaud, and the Matt Hampson Foundation will be supporting Ed with his rehabilitation from his recent serious neck injury.
Throughout the day Food was cooked by a group of the South African Players that hadn't donned the Playing Whites, putting on a South African braai for all, and Dragons' No9 Charlie Davies also demonstrated some alternative skills by Dj-ing after the match.
The day itself was supported by Bernard Jackman and the entire Dragons squad, offering a glimpse of the respect and sincere goodwill held towards Ed, who is such a large personality and popular member of the Squad with both Players and Supporters alike.
The game was opened with the Dragons fielding, and Elliot and Rynard offering a twin pace attack to start off. They were backed up by the impressive Zane Kirtchner, who at first change offered real threat to the Usk batsmen.
Match report details unfortunately tail off after this point... with the Cider definitely NOT a factor in this...
However, what can be confirmed was the Dragons managed to chase down the target Usk set, and proved victorious on the day.
Dragons Charity Cricket Squad: Rynard Landman ©, Elliot Dee, Sarel Pretorius, James Thomas, Rhys Buckley, Will Talbot-Davies, Angus O’Brien, Robson Blake, James Benjamin, Zane Kirchner, Cory Hill, Dorian Jones & Pete Grzonka (Dragons Commercial Director)
We'd like to obviously take the opportunity to thank all those that helped organise, and contributed on the day, it was fantastic to see the Cricket and Rugby Communities coming together for such noble causes.
From a Dragons' Supporters perspective we are very keen to continue this momentum through the season now, and help plan and organise a number of other events to help contribute towards Ed's recovery, and demonstrate just how much the Dragons Family are thinking of him.
Ed's determination and drive, coupled with an amazingly positive and can-do attitude, has been nothing short of remarkable, and is a lesson to all of us. Both Ed and his family have been dealt a hugely testing challenge, but the way he continues to strive forwards through this adversity, with an almost obssesive drive, and a smile on his face, is phenomenal.
Stay strong Ed, we're all thinking of you....
#SUFTMOG
