| The 11-strong squad of cricketers from Fire and Rescue Services enjoyed TV stardom as Cricket Am’s ‘team of the week’ |
Sky Sports’ Cricket Am was the latest high profile fixture for the FireAngel sponsored UK Fire Services cricket team.
The 11-strong squad of cricketers from Fire and Rescue Services across the country enjoyed TV stardom when they joined presenters Sarah-Jane Mee and Matt Floyd in the studio as Cricket Am’s ‘team of the week’ on the first programme of the year.
The live on-air chat was followed by a quiz and games including a ‘bowl-out’ with studio guests; Strictly’s Brendan Cole, Australian batsman Chris Rogers and Durham and England bowler, Graham Onions.
The team enjoyed their moment of fame, as Ian Warne, secretary and treasurer of the UK Fire Service Cricket section and also Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Watch Manager said: “We were invited on the show last year, but we had match commitments that meant we couldn’t appear. This was a great opportunity to talk about who we are and what we do as part of the Fire Service Sports & Athletics Association (FSSAA). We had a great time – especially ‘bowling out’ a couple of international cricketers!”
Representatives of the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services including Avon, Isle of Wight, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, Kent, London, Nottinghamshire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester make up the FireAngel cricket team. Lead by Captain James Lucy, Watch Manager from the Isle of Wight, they play 10-12 matches each year with opposition provided by teams such as Royal Navy, Army, MCC, British Police and Durham Academy
Ian added: “This is the fifth year that we’ve been sponsored by FireAngel. We really couldn’t survive without this support. Their sponsorship helps us to buy clothing, cricket equipment and also contribute towards accommodation costs when we play teams around the UK.”
The FireAngel team is looking forward to their next match against the British Police at Sandiacre Cricket Club in Derbyshire on July 16th.