Sky News reporter aims to hit 50 for Chance to Shine

To celebrate turning 50, legendary Sky News sports reporter Jon Desborough is organising a charity fundraising cricket match between his Celebrity Dream XI and local club Harpenden CC in Hertfordshire, with the aim of raising £50,000 for of Chance to Shine.

A passionate cricket fan, Jon sees Chance to Shine as a fantastic cause that provides young people from all backgrounds with the support and opportunity they need to develop their games.

As an enthusiastic young cricketer Jon never had the coaching and resources to further his cricket and so he sadly resigned himself to the spectator stands at the tender age of 15. He began his resurgence onto the cricket pitch just three years ago, having lusted over the majestic cover drive of former England captain Michael Vaughan, whom he holds personally responsible for getting him back into the sport.

In an apparent tactical move to minimise the chance of sustaining any injuries from potentially grudge-holding fast bowlers of his own club, Jon has gone all out to put together an extremely strong dream team. Captained by former England bowler Angus Fraser, it will feature the world record holder for fastest century ever scored in a World Cup, Irish international Kevin O'Brien, as well as a wealth of former England talent in Surrey speed-demon Alex Tudor, Gloucestershire painter-now-wicketkeeper Jack Russell and Yorkshire paceman Darren Gough. Other talent includes former Hampshire and Middlesex off-spinner Shaun Udal; former Kent wicketkeeping batsman Steve Marsh; ex-Luton, Wimbledon and England striker Mick Harford; friends, and of course the man himself, reportedly an erratic but potent strike-bowler, much like Mitchell Johnson. Don't call it a comeback.

The match takes place at 2.30pm on Sunday 4th September at Harpenden Cricket Club. In addition to what promises to be an enthralling encounter between two strong teams, there will also be a raffle, with some fantastic prizes to be won, including tickets to watch the CB40 final plus a tour of Lord's, a crate of Bell's Whisky, a signed England World Cup shirt, a tour of the Sky TV compound at any Test, one year's subscription to The Cricketer, and many more.

Prices: Table of 10, £1250. Premium table (9 + VIP guest), £2000. Free admission for general public.

For more information and tickets, please call Ali Price on 07557006384 or email: [email protected]

Come along for a fun day in support of a fantastic cause!

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Creating Opportunities to Play
How we support physical wellbeing

Free school resources

Chance to Shine has built a powerful bank of free cricket teaching resources for primary schools so teachers can lead their own cricket sessions. The resources include lesson plans, instructional videos and top tips.
About us

Chance to Shine is a national cricket charity that works in state schools and communities to spread the power of cricket. We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to play and learn through cricket. We believe that cricket teaches children valuable skills like communication, teamwork and respect that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
STREET CRICKET

Chance to Shine Street cricket is fast, fun and free. It's played with a tapeball and requires no protective equipment. It's cricket's answer to five-a-side football.
Primary schools

Chance to Shine work in state primary schools across England and Wales supporting schools to deliver cricket coaching to their pupils. We teach cricket in primary schools and support teachers with free resources including lesson plans, videos and tips from the professionals.
The challenge

Chance to Shine believes in how the power of cricket can help children from state schools and deprived communities. We know that many children are missing out on the benefits of physical eduction particularly girls, those from a BAME background and from a lower socio-economic background.
Contact Us

Contact Chance to Shine, the national cricket charity, who spread the power of cricket in state schools and communities across the country.
Work for us

Job opportunities at children's charity Chance to Shine. Come and help us spread the power of cricket.
Secondary schools

We provide competition opportunities for children in state secondary schools. We have also developed a set of digital resources for teachers. Chance to Shine will also deliver a girls' cricket programme in secondary schools, training young leaders and developing life skills through playing the sport.
Get cricket in your school

Here's how Chance to Shine can support your school in delivering cricket.
Our story

Chance to Shine is an independent charity that works to spread the power of cricket in schools and communities across the country. Set up as the Cricket Foundation, the charity aims to provide opportunities in state schools and deprived communities.