Round-the-clock rounders

Photo: PICTURE by Chris Sunderland

HERE WE GO: Shaun Dean, captain of Great Horned Owls, and Shaw Magpies and Crompton Ladies skipper Rachel Hurst with their rounders teams at Crompton Cricket Club.

ROUNDERS:

 A ROUNDERS marathon lasting 12 hours has raised more than £2,800 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

The roundathon was held at Crompton Cricket Club and saw Shaw Magpies and Crompton Ladies join forces in memory of friend and former player Michelle Bamford.

Starting at 8am, they played non-stop until 8pm and took on different opponents every hour, including Austerlands, Mossley and other sides from the Saddleworth and Rochdale leagues, as well as teams of family and friends, with ages ranging from as young as 10 to over 50.

Kelly Hutchins (25), of the Shaw Magpies and Crompton Ladies outfit, said: “It was hard, there were a few aches and pains.

“But the atmosphere was great and the occasion made it worth it.

“Michelle was at the back of our minds all the time.”

A few rain showers failed to dampen the players’ spirits and the Shaw Magpies and Crompton Ladies hit 204.5 rounders throughout the day. They completed the 12 hours of matches unbeaten.

“The day was really enjoyable,” Kelly added. “It was a massive challenge but we got through it as a team.

“The highlight was the game against the Great Horned Owls. They’re all boys and they brought some good banter.

“Overall it was a great day as we raised so much money for Dr Kershaw’s and the help and

support from everyone, even down to the catering team, was amazing.”