Richard Stonier has tipped Meir Heath to progress from their Twenty20 Cup group tomorrow – but they will have to cope without their in-form captain.
His team-mates will be doing battle with Division Three Hem Heath Forsbrook and Porthill Park A, but Stonier is swapping his bat and pads for running shoes to compete in the Potters ‘Arf.
The 26-year-old, who has never run a half-marathon, is raising money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, following the death of young cricketer Nathan Butler in 2006.
The 16-year-old Porthill Park player died from an undetected heart defect and Stonier is hoping to raise more than £1,000.
“Nathan’s mum Angela goes to the same gym as me and that is how I’ve become involved,” said Stonier, who is hoping to complete the course in one hour and 40 minutes.
“I got back into running in January and have been training pretty hard.
“We’ve done a sponsored 24-hour spin in honour of Nathan in the past and it really is a good cause.
“I went to the ECG checks in Porthill Park back in March and 12 people were referred to hospital to have tests on their hearts.
“You just never know when something like that will affect you, which is why I’m trying to help raise awareness.
“I’ve taken advice from people who have run the ‘Arf before and they say the atmosphere is fantastic.
“I’m told the crowd really get behind you and I’m sure it will be an enjoyable and rewarding day.”
Jake Heath will captain the Division One outfit for the round-robin event at Porthill Park A’s Scot Hay ground, and Stonier is confident of advancing to the next round.
“We are missing a few players, but I’m feeling positive about our chances of progressing,” he added.
“A couple of years ago we reached the semi-finals and that is something we want to emulate.
“It is also a nice distraction from the league matches and gives lads who have been struggling the chance to find a bit of form.”
Last year’s runners-up, Wood Lane, join Endon at Wooton in the first round, while Knypersley host Meakins and Leycett.
Three Premier Division teams are due to meet at Modershall with Burslem and Hem Heath providing the opposition.
Cheadle, Ashcombe Park and Little Stoke meet at Tean Road.
Stone and Porthilll Park go head-to-head first up at Lichfield Road, with Moddershall A the third side in the group.
Premier Division leaders Barlaston have home advantage against Kidsgrove and Sandyford.
Audley and Betley visit Hanford while Silverdae entertain Alsager and Edworth.
Division One leaders Leek travel to Meir Heath Fenton and are joined by Eccleshall while Stone SP, Oulton and Bignall End do battle at Wynnerton.
Blythe, Norton and Bagnall appears to be one of the toughest group, whilst Woore and Stafford visit Newcastle and Hartshill.
Crewe have home advantage over Oakamoor and Caverswall, with Rhode Park and Lawton entertaining Wedgwood Stanfields and Whitmore.
Holders Weston, Premier Division champions Longton and Talbot Cup holders Checkley have all received byes.
The cup is being sponsored by Crewe-based ABC Technology Solutions, who have agreed a three-year deal to back the competition.
