PCA PRESS RELEASE

A summer of success sees the Masters continue to support grassroots clubs.

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This summer the PCA England Masters, sponsored by Greene King, once again packed their kit bags and travelled the length and breadth of the UK to challenge grassroots cricket clubs and schools.

The season saw the Masters play in 14 fixtures against some strong club sides, bringing home the win on eight occasions. But more importantly, host clubs raised a huge combined £207,000 in the process, increasing the total amount to over £600,000 in the first three years of Greene King sponsoring the programme.

All money raised at the fixtures remains with the club, allowing them to utilise the generated funds at their own discretion.

East Molesey CC held their second Masters match this year and succeeded in raising a staggering £32,500, proving how successful an annual fundraising event it can be for those clubs who continue to host the PCA England Masters.

It was great to visit some familiar clubs such as East Molesey CC, over the course of the summer, as well as a pleasure to see new sides; Downend CC, Eversley CC, Hayfield CC and Gowerton CC get involved and hold their first fixtures.

Keith Thomas from Gowerton CC oversaw the organisation of their first event and commented on how he thoroughly enjoyed the day.

“I have to say that the players were brilliant and all entered into the spirit of the occasion,” said Thomas.

“It was an amazing day which will live long in the memory, particularly of our juniors and of those that had the privilege of playing against legends of the game.”

Former Surrey and England fast-bowler, and new captain of the Masters, Alex Tudor, was delighted to play his part in another successful season.

“It’s been an honour to captain the Masters for the first time this season and great to see so much money raised again,” said Tudor.

“Helping support these local clubs is exactly what the Masters is about and the fact we have so much fun whilst doing so is a massive bonus.”

ALEX TUDOR, PCA ENGLAND MASTERS CAPTAIN

As well as some excellent fundraising off the pitch, there were some top performances on it, with former Surrey, Nottinghamshire and England batsman Ali Brown named the Greene King PCA England Masters Player of the Summer at this year’s NatWest PCA Awards, after his teammates selected him as the standout performer.

Brown picked up the accolade for the first time after current teammate Owais Shah pipped him to the award last summer.

Speaking at the NatWest PCA Awards, Brown said, “to be chosen by my teammates as the player of the season is very special. We play some tough teams and with a lot of the guys still bringing a bit of their old magic to matches I’m flattered they voted for me.”

Plans for next season are underway with many clubs already securing dates in the 2019 summer to host the Masters so make sure your club doesn’t miss out! Click here to find out more information about hosting the former England legends.