THE INAUGURAL HB9 T10 tournament, which took place at Avoncroft Cricket Club in Stoke Heath, raised more than £2,000 for The Harry Bennett Foundation (HB9).
Four teams – Friends and Family, Staff and Invitational, Harry’s Friends, and Bromsgrove Cricket Club – enjoyed an afternoon of fast-paced cricket and fundraising.
Amid glorious sunshine, supporters relaxed pitch-side, enjoying snacks, ice cream, refreshments from the bar and a packed afternoon of the sound of leather on willow.
The event was the brainchild of 21-year-old Henry Smith, one of Harry Bennett’s friends. Henry, with Josh and Alfie Bullivant, helped set up the Bennetts Boots scheme in 2020, following Harry’s sudden death from sepsis at just 16 years old.
Henry played a key role organising the tournament, coordinating volunteers, rallying the teams and organising food and an ice cream vans.
Bromsgrove Cricket Club won the final with a score of 171 – 13 more runs than Friends and Family, who finished the match on 158.
Paul Hutchins was man of the tournament after scoring important runs and helping the Friends and Family team to the final.
The funds were raised through entry donations, HB9 merchandise sales and a raffle that featured sporting prizes donated by local businesses.
Following the success of the tournament, HB9 has confirmed the event will now become an annual event in its fundraising calendar.
Henry said he could not thank everyone involved in the event enough.
“It was a wonderful day of cricket, community and support for The Harry Bennett Foundation.”
The HB9 Harry Bennett Foundation was created in memory of Harry, to help people, through the power of sport.
Whether supporting individuals or teams, taking part or watching, the foundation works to ensure more people can experience the life-changing physical and mental benefits of sport.
Visit justgiving.com/charity/hb9 for more about the charity, to support its work and to make a donation.
