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LORD'S GALA RAISES OVER £100,000 

THE GALA with the Galacticos, the Lashings’ World XI’s annual dinner was held at Lord’s last Friday, featuring the usual array of A-list (and A* star list) cricketers, musicians, comedians and in some cases all three.

The evening began with the now traditional recital of the Lord’s Prayer by Henry Olonga, who was followed onto the stage by Scott “the Voice” Charlton and his new partner in rhyme Ed “the Geezer” Giddins, a man who looks as at home in front of a live audience as he does commentating on live poker.

So far so good, although the Twitter police might have been on alert when Henry Blofeld began interviewing Darren Gough about his career, his dancing and recent developments in the world of cricket.

Goughie told stories of how he prepared for his Yorkshire debut, when he took five-for (eight pints the night before), why he was at inherent disadvantage competing against Colin Jackson on Strictly Come Dancing and also shared his views on spot fixing: “If someone offered me £100,000 for bowling a no ball I’d do it!” 

These sailed slightly close to the wind, but luckily for all concerned he didn’t say anything nasty about ECB officials on a social networking site and therefore escaped unfined.

Blowers then paid an achingly moving tribute to the late Princess Margaret, one that will live long in the memory of all who heard it, before reading the kind of poem you’ll never hear on TMS, but that would significantly liven up the tea interval.

In ordinary circumstances you could say Blowers brought the house down.

However, skipper Chris Harris then took to the podium and said nonchalantly: “I’ve just heard that there’s been an earthquake in Christchurch and that my house has been destroyed, but everyone’s ok so there’s nothing to worry about.”

And people thought Christopher Martin Jenkins was unflappable.

In terms of dry humour however, Mohammad Akram will be difficult to beat. While the rest of the World XI are eagerly anticipating a possible tour of the USA, Mohammad said he was particularly looking forward to the unique hospitality US immigration officials reserve for people travelling on Pakistani passports, which perhaps lends a whole new meaning to the phrase “timeless test”.

Over 500 people attended the event at the home of cricket and over £100,000 was raised. 

The Afro-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, the Uganda Charity Trust Fund and the Male Cancer Awareness Trust were all present and cancer sufferer Patrick O’Dell was given a special donation, collected on his behalf by the editor of the Kent Messenger Bob Bounds, that will allow him to buy a specialist wheelchair.

O’Dell’s mission is to defy his illness by breaking the world record for crossing the USA in a wheelchair, raising £40,000 for the Kent Air Ambulance in the process.

It goes without saying that everyone at Lashings wishes him all the best with his quest - and we hope to see you all again next year.

 

 

DOM-INATION 

DOMINIC Cork has made a career out of stealing the show and the Hampshire skipper did precisely that on Bank Holiday, when he brought the curtain down on Lashings’ season with a century as Lashings comfortably beat the Mayor of Bournemouth’s XI at Dean Park.

The former England test hero smasked 115 in a partnership of 181 with Pakistan’s Mohammad Akram for the first wicket.

Akram himself fell just three runs short of a century, making 97 before he was caught by Alcroft off Hopkins’ bowling and Phil DeFreitas weighed in with 86 as Lashings posted 354 in a rain reduced game.

That was never a realistic proposition for the Mayor’s XI, although Andrew’s 63 was a respectable knock in the cirucmstances and Alcroft chipped in with 33 down the lower order.

The World XI would like to thank everyone at Dean Park for a memorable day and we hope to see some of you at our end of season gala at Lord’s this Friday.

The full scorecard from the game can now be found on our results page.

 

 

DEAN PARK RENDEZ-VOUS

THE World XI will be back in action on Bank Holiday Monday, when they take on the Mayor of Bournemouth's XI at the Dean Park Cricket Ground in Bournemouth - a ground once used by Hampshire and the venue where Kent County Cricket Club clinched their first ever county championship back in 1906.

The match is due to start at 2pm.   

 

STONES BREAK OFF LASHINGS TALKS

Lashings were disappointed to receive an email to lead negotiator Glenn Aitken late Friday night from Maidstone United's shareholders, informing him they are unable to continue with discussions regarding a takeover of the club at this time.

"We understand they intend to continue their struggle to secure a future for the club. I believe they are seeking fresh investment to support their existing management regime," said Aitken. "We wish them luck in this very brave course of action. After all, Lashings have only ever wanted to bring a healthy football club back home to Maidstone. If they can do it we'll all be happy."

"During our negotiations we were extremely encouraged by the tremendous support we received from supporters and club officials, all of whom wished us well in our bid."

Lashings chairman David Folb added "We are bitterly disappointed! We were confident we could bring new leadership to the club, with fresh ideas, renewed enthusiasm and solid marketing & management expertise." 

 

WISBOROUGH GREEN: GAME ON!

IN response to a number of enquiries, Lashings can confirm that tomorrow's (Friday's) game with Wisborough Green is definitely still on. Although the weather has played havoc with the fixture list up and down the country, at the moment the game is set to go ahead as usual, with a scheduled start time of around 2.30pm. Obviously if the weather deteriorates significantly the situation may change, but at present we can confirm that the usual Lashings squad will be joined by our old friend Rashid Latif, plus the former England all-rounder Dominic Cork.

 

"UNREALISTIC" OFFER REJECTED

LASHINGS have rejected Maidstone United’s initial proposal for a takeover, describing the terms offered by the club’s directors as “totally unrealistic.”

Chief negotiator Glenn Aitken was called into a meeting midway through the Stones’ game with Hastings last night, but emerged to say no agreement had been reached, with the directors’ personal demands proving the stumbling block.

Lashings chairman David Folb said: “With due respect, we are not worried about the directors' problems, we are worried about the football club and its loyal supporters.

"I was just astounded by the support last night, I thought it was absolutely amazing."

Lashings remain interested interested in taking over the ailing county town side, but will not countenance bailing out individuals.

“Supporters have got to ask themselves if they want the club to continue to be run by the individuals who have got them into this position, or if they want a completely new direction,” Folb said. 

“We are only interested in safeguarding this club’s future. I don't think the fans realise just how close to the brink the club is. How much longer can they continue to operate on this basis? The lines of communication remain open and we are prepared to listen to the directors, but only if they come back to us with a realistic proposal.”

Lashings have now responded in writing making it clear what needs to be done. The club have said they will respond on Friday afternoon.

 

GOUGH TO MAKE LASHINGS DEBUT!

DARREN Gough will be making his debut for Lashings when the World XI takes on Ventnor CC on the Isle-of-Wight this Sunday.

The former Yorkshire and England bowler - and occasional dancing superstar - heads a host of star names for the now annual fixture on the other side of the Solent.

A trio of top Pakistan players, Saqlain Mushtaq, Rashid Latif and Mohammad Akram will all be playing and due to the huge crowds attracted by previous visits, the match has been moved from Ventnor's idyllic home ground to a venue with a greater capacity on Blackwater Road.

Click here for a map link.

Lashings have been run close on a few occasions this season, but Thursday's trip to Haverhill, alas for the home side, wasn't one of them, with Ian Harvey starring in a rout of the Suffolk side. Full details to follow.

Finally don't forget this Tuesday (August 24) there's a full moon - which means there's a party till sunrise at Lashings HQ in Upper Stone Street, Maidstone. 

 

HAVERHILL PREVIEW ONLINE 

You can read a short preview to Thursday's game with Haverhill in Suffolk by clicking here. There's also a report on a rare defeat for the World XI, away to Brixworth CC, on our fixtures and results page, which you can also see by clicking here. 

Finally don't forget, it's now just a fiver to eat a main meal at Lashings HQ, and you never know who you might run into at the bar!

 

 

 

TAKEOVER TALKS SET FOR NEXT WEEK

Lashings have been asked by Stones chairman Paul Bowden Brown to clarify certain issues and provide a formal offer to be considered at a specially arranged board meeting. 

Lashings negotiator Glenn Aitken said: "The MUFC chairman has contacted his directors and shareholders and now expects them to be back in the country to discuss the future of the club early next week. With the answers to a few more questions about the accounts we expect to be in a position to add detail to our proposal. We look forward to a positive outcome to their meeting." 

 

LASHINGS FRUSTRATED BY TAKEOVER DELAYS

Lashings have confirmed that attempts to reach an early solution in talks to takeover Maidstone United have ground to an unfortunate halt, with some of the directors enjoying holidays out of the country. 

Lead negotiator Glenn Aitken received acknowledgement of his proposal from Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown but was disappointed to hear that he would await his colleagues return before discussing it with them. Aitken has since urged Bowden-Brown to phone them in order to speed up negotiations.

"I have attended pre-season friendlies at Faversham, Whitstable, Chatham and Sittingbourne and I'm yet to see either the chairman or general manager Bill Williams," said Aitken "so communication has been via phone and email. Perhaps things are not as urgent as the fans fear. But for our part this must be resolved quickly. We will not hang around forever."

Lashings World XI chairman David Folb has a clear deadline in mind - Friday September 3: "The cricket club's Gala End-of-Season Dinner, held at Lord's the home of cricket, is attended by major sponsors, top businessmen and international sports stars. This is the perfect occasion at which to announce the takeover of MUFC and discuss their potential involvement." 

HIGHWAYS SUFFER UNDER MARSHALL LAW

FOR a while it looked as though there might be an upset on the cards at Fletchamstead on Friday, when Highways had the World XI in a spot of trouble on 36-3, though on closer inspection not everything was as it seemed.

Devon Malcolm, a destroyer of worlds with the ball in his hand, wasn't quite as destructive with the bat and his promotion to number three didn't really pay off.

However, when he departed for 6 Jamie Marshall and Phil DeFreitas put on a stand of 92 for the fourth wicket.

Marshall was out for 68, but Daffy survived till the end to give Lashings a competitive (to put it mildly) total of 196-6 from 20 overs.

Highways put up a respectable showing and Steve Abbey made a more-than-respectable 75, but a run rate of nearly ten an over proved too much for a game home side and they fell short by 49 runs, closing on 147-6. 

LASHINGS OFFER SOLUTION

LASHINGS can confirm that they contacted Maidstone United Football Club last Friday, with a possible solution to the club's current situation.

NOTT AND MOSS ENJOY THE LASHINGS EXPERIENCE

Maidstone United manager Peter Nott and Maidstone Town Centre Manager, Bill Moss were guests of the Lashings World XI this week at their annual cricket match with Bromley CC, where they witnessed a major fund-raising event that could have serious implications for the future of Maidstone United Football Club.

The Maidstone-based international sports company are currently preparing a proposal to take over the town’s ailing Ryman League football club.

“Lashings chairman David Folb and I have known Bill Moss for many years. It was good to catch up with him at this fun event. Both he and Peter, who I first met 10 years ago, had an enjoyable day and commented favourably on what they had witnessed” said Glenn Aitken, lead negotiator for Lashings.

The funds generated by this one event each year, which are estimated to be well into six figures, have enabled Bromley CC to climb up the ranks of cricket. Whilst this type of event doesn’t automatically transfer to a football environment, Lashings has the knowledge, experience and business success that would clearly benefit Maidstone United.

Over 700 corporate guests, including the Antiguan Ambassador and footballer Paul Elliott MBE, were entertained by comedian Scott Charlton, Channel 5 presenter Jonny Gould and the legendary voice of cricket that is Henry ‘Blowers’ Blofeld, before an exciting cricket match saw a competitive Bromley side take the international stars all the way, narrowly losing in the last over.

Lashings had 13 international cricket legends at the game, mixing freely with corporate guests and the general public throughout the day. The starting eleven included an array of stars of today and the recent past. Unbelievably West Indies superstar Richie Richardson and Zimbabwe hero Henry Olonga were consigned to the bench. 

LASHINGS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT TAKEOVER

THE Lashings World XI cricket club are progressing toward formal proposals to take over Maidstone United Football Club this week.

Glenn Aitken, the man charged with handling negotiations by Lashings owner David Folb, has had several meetings with club officials and sounded out a number of fans at the Stones' friendly with Faversham on Saturday.

"It was great to meet fans I knew from my days at Stones when I attended the friendly at Faversham at the weekend. They remain enthusiastic and agree that we must get the club back home," Aitken said.

"Everyone I've met has been incredibly supportive of the Lashings interest in Maidstone United," Aitken an ex-Stones player and former chief executive of Gravesend & Northfleet added.

 "Many people in the county town only associate the name Lashings with the bar-restaurant in Stone Street but what started as a 'pub cricket team' is now a credible and profitable business that is in great demand throughout the cricketing world. The side regularly play in South Africa and Abu Dhabi, attracting international brands as sponsors. The club's offices are still located at the bar-restaurant, where world-famous cricketers mingle anonymously with customers."

"There is no doubt that the Lashings influence can add to the success of running MUFC going forward. However, the question remains as to how a deal can be done to effect a clean takeover."  

TOUGHEST TEST OF THE YEAR FOR LASHINGS?

THE provisional squad for the World XI’s game with Bromley at Plaistow Lane tomorrow is as follows:

Chris Harris (captain), Phil Defreitas, Lou Vincent, John Emburey, Richie Richardson, Henry Olonga, Devon Malcolm, Jimmy Adams, Mark Ealham, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Akram, Ian Harvey and our star for the day, Gavin Nicholson.

Skipper Chris Harris will be playing against Bromley, the side he plays for on Saturdays and the current Kent League champions.

It could be one of the toughest games Lashings play all year as Bromley's squad also includes the former Kent players Matt Dennington and Alan Wells - and Lashings' very own Ed Giddins! 

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TREASON

There's a full review of Henry Olonga's new book, "Blood, Sweat and Treason," by the Associated Press cricket writer Fred Atkins now online in our news section:

THE LOU DOWN ON LOU'S INNINGS

You can read an alternative account of Lou Vincent's astonishing innings at Woodhall Spa on Tuesday, by 13-year-old Jacob Kirwan, by clicking on the following link:

http://youngjournalistacademy.co.uk/?p=216

Keep coming back to www.lashings.co.uk for all the latest news on the World XI - a review of Henry Olonga's autobiography, Blood, Sweat & Treason, will appear soon. 

VENI, VIDI VINCENT

It wasn't much fun being a bowler for Woodhall Spa on Tuesday.

Lou Vincent smashed a staggering 242 from just 93 balls for the Lashings World XI in Lincolnshire, including 18 sixes and 26 fours.

It was a sensational knock from the Kiwi, whose total was more than Woodhall's combined 11 batsmen managed.

Ian Harvey was the World XI's next highest scorer with 63 before he was run ou.

Matthew Haslam did well under the circumstances to take2-60 from 10 overs and although Lashings won by a more than comfortable margin of 210 runs (not a bad effort in 35 overs) Nic Stone from Woodhall also produced an excellent knock of 85 from 75 balls for the home side.

(See our fixtures and results page for full details)

AITKEN CHARGED WITH RESCUE BID

LASHINGS chairman David Folb has engaged Glenn Aitken with the task of negotiating a possible takeover of Maidstone United FootballClub.

Folb revealed last week that he was interested in mounting a rescue bid for his home town club and this week named Aitken as his representative.

“I’ve known Glenn for a very long time and I hope that supporters will realise that by asking a man of his calibre to handle these negotiations I’m demonstrating how serious I am about taking over the Stones,” Folb said.

Aitken was a member of one of the most succesful sides in Maidstone United's history and a key part of the defence that saw the Stones, then in the Southern League, draw with Charlton Athletic at The Valley in 1979, before losing the replay 2-1 at London Road, in front of a crowd of over 10,000 - arecord that stands to this day.

He was also a member of the Maidstone side that beat Gillingham 2-0 at Priestfield in the second round of the FA Cup in 1980, in a second replay after both initial games had ended 0-0.

He also played for Gillingham and was a member of the Wimbledon side that memorably drew with Leeds United in the FA Cup in 1975. 

He later worked with Lashings and was chief executive at Gravesend & Northfleet.

Aitken is still fondly remembered by many Stones fans and the feeling is mutual.

“Many football clubs playing in their own home town are struggling financially,” he said. “The fact that Maidstone United exists at all after so many years away from their home speaks volumes for the loyal fans and dedicated people working within the club.” 

Aitken will also be seeking to talk to as many supporters as possible and hopes to attend the Stones friendly with Whitstable next Tuesday.

“Meeting fan representatives and members of the thriving youth and ‘community’ scheme is also high on my agenda,” he said. “But no progress can be made without the appropriate information to enable a formal deal to be considered. I need to talk to club officials for that.”