Sam Alexander Cup raises £4,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Trust

A bumper crowd packed into Barnard Castle Cricket Club to watch the Sam Alexander Cup clash between Barnard Castle and Richmondshire and raise more that £4,000 for charity.

The gloomy conditions failed to dampen the spirit of the spectators, who enjoyed a fiercely-contested Premier Division encounter followed by an entertaining evening in the club house.

The cup was introduced last season following the death of Sam, who covered the cricket team for the Mercury and was friends with many members of the team and a committed supporter.

Sam died from cystic fibrosis aged just 32 in March last year.

His father Keith, who attended the match, said: “Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Sam Alexander Cup at Barnard Castle and a great victory over Richmondshire.

“The final total of money raised is not in yet, but it looks likely we will exceed £4,000 which is a fantastic effort from a generous and supportive crowd.

“This will enable the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help more people with CF.

“Thanks to all the individuals and companies who donated the prizes and everyone who bought tickets or made a bid.”