Following the success of the cricket dinner in 2005, it was decided to arrange another similar event over the weekend of 8th/9th July. This event included not only a dinner/auction but also a 20/20 cricket match between an “Old England” side, together with a couple of Sri Lankan cricketers, and a JICC team.
The fundraising dinner took place in the Starlight Room at the Hotel de France and was followed, as before, by an auction of items mostly donated by the cricketers and conducted in great style by former England batsman Mike Gatting.
The 20/20 match, which was held at Grainville, was a great success despite the delayed start due to some unseasonable weather. Unfortunately, the Sri Lankan spin bowler Murali Muralitheran had to withdraw at the last minute, due to the illness of his son. The batting of the “Old England” team was strengthened by the presence, yet again, of the former captain of the Sri Lankan Test side, Aravinda da Silva.
The total amount raised over the weekend was £25,000, which was divided between the Vocational Training Centre and the Foundation of Goodness.