HARTLEPOOL United stalwart Ritchie Humphreys will swing into action next month when he leads out an All-Star XI onto the cricket field.

The day after the Pools club captain and his teammates end their League One campaign at Charlton on Saturday, May 7, Humphreys will lead a team in the latest event of his testimonial year – a Twenty20 cricket match.

Park Drive, Hartlepool is the venue for Ritchie's Royals against the Victoria Park Victors on Sunday, May 8 as teammates past take on teammates present in the fun-filled challenge match, which starts at 2pm.

He said: "Our fans have seen us all play football, now it's a chance for them to see how we are at cricket – or should I say how bad we are!

"The idea is for a real fun day for everyone involved. The season ends the day before, so all the players are looking forward to the match. My team consists of current teammates and a few famous faces from North East football, and we will be up against a selection of former teammates.”

As well as Hartlepool stars past and present, former Newcastle and England star Peter Beardsley and Sunderland legends Marco Gabbiadini and Michael Gray will be donning their pads at Park Drive.

It’s going to be a real family occasion with a bouncy castle, barbeque and bar while Hartlepool mascot H’Angus the Monkey will also make an appearance. There will also be the opportunity to purchase Ritchie’s souvenir testimonial brochure for £5.

The cricket match will be followed by a supper and talk-in on the Sunday evening,Tickets are priced at £20 but they are selling fast.

Ritchie continued: “We are praying for good weather but I reckon it will be a brilliant day anyway. As well as the lads who are playing, there’s plenty of my old team mates coming along just to sit with the fans and laugh at us.

“The lads have all chosen the songs that they want to walk out of the pavilion to. Footballers don’t tend to be known for their love of good music and when you hear some of this lot you’ll see why. Mind saying that, there may be a few accidental mis-haps on the song request list.”

He added: “For those who want to join us for the evening event, we have a limited number of tickets left for what should be a very informal sportsman’s evening.”

Park Drive gates will open at noon, on Sunday, May 8, and admission is £3 on the gate (under 5s are free). Free parking is at High Tunstall School until 7.30pm.

A limited number of tickets are available for the sportsman's evening at Park Drive following the match. Priced at £20, they include a curry buffet and a talk in with both Peter Beardsley and Ritchie Humphreys, and are available by contacting Samantha Lee on 0798 4677357 or email slee@publicityseekers.co.uk or Nick Loughlin on email nick.loughlin@nne.co.uk

 

Ritchie's Royals include: Adam Boyd, Antony Sweeney, Steve Haslam, Sam Collins, Gary Walsh, James Brown and Ritchie Humphreys.

Victoria Park Victors include: Mark Tinkler, Peter Beardsley, Gavin Strachan, Micky Barron, Marco Gabbiadini, Darrell Clarke, Micky Nelson, Tommy Miller, Graeme Lee and Michael Gray.