In 2013, Marc and Ellie Ames instigated and formulated RACC’s winning bid to host a Twenty20 Legends Match v. RACC. NatWest in conjunction with the Professional Cricketers Association had set up these matches as a way for clubs to raise money. Clubs from across Britain could apply but only three were chosen.

Marc, Ellie and other members had only six weeks in which to arrange the event that we all enjoyed over the August Bank Holiday. As part of the arrangement, England captain Alastair Cook participated in a coaching session two weeks before the match.

The England Legends XI was captained by ex-England captain Michael Vaughan. The Legends XI scored 161 for 5 and in reply Royal Ascot Cricket Club made 109 for 5.

Mal Loye scored 62 runs and was dismissed by our spinner Marc who also accounted for the other opener, Mark Ramprakash who made 40.  James Summers and Nick Wiggett opened our bowling and Jason Carr took 3 for 26. Nick Wiggett also got four spectacular catches on the boundary.

Other Legends playing were: Richard Blakey, Adam Hollioake, Phil DeFreitas, Alex Tudor, Martin Bicknell, Dean Headley, Devon Malcolm and Ed Giddins.

RACC’s finest were: Captain Nick Sweetman (17 runs), Deep Mohain (28), James Wensley (0), Warren Miller (24), Gareth Baker (7), Chris Harding (9 not out), Jason Carr (18 not out), Kevin May, James Summers, Nick Wiggett and Marc Ames.

The Legends happily entered into the spirit of the day; whilst three Legends were cracking jokes and conducting the auction in the hospitality marquee, other Legends were giving coaching sessions to our colts. Also as part of the event, Michael Vaughan picked the three best players from each club to form a team to play the Legends at Lords. Our three lucky players were James Summers, Jason Carr and Nick Wiggett. It was a wonderful, spectator packed, sunny day on the Heath and RACC raised £10,000 towards a new pavilion.

So, our many thanks to NatWest and all the England Legends who delighted the players, the colts and the crowd at RACC’s ground.