Property Big Hitters: howzat for a big hit?

Given that the T20 match at the Hurlingham Club, hosted by Imperial Blue Finance in association with St George, pitted a squad of enthusiastic amateurs in whites (including Property Week’s own Mohamed Shaikh) against a team billed as ‘The World’s Greatest Cricket Club’, the fact that the outcome was an overwhelming victory for Lashings All Stars should come as no surprise.

Lashings’ opening pairing of West Indies number three Kirk Edwards (1,101 international runs) and former India opener Wasim Jaffer (who hit 400 not out as a 15-year-old) took a couple of overs to bed in against Property XI’s spirited bowling attack from George Brooksbank (Leconfield) and Phil Dabbs (Amicus) but once they hit their stride the big hitting truly began.

A first-wicket pairing of 269 (before Edwards retired) proved ultimately insurmountable for the ‘building batters’ but was hard-earned, according to the charismatic Bajan batsman.

“It was a really enjoyable game. It’s a brilliant pitch to play on and obviously great facilities all round,” Edwards told Property Week.

“It always takes a period of adjustment when you play at a new venue for the first time and I didn’t know what to expect against these bowlers, but they try.

“When we’re out there, we’re having fun but at the same time you’ve got your reputation to keep - no one wants to get run down by a club cricketer. We still all get the buzz from being out there and finding your stroke so would definitely look forward to coming back next year and facing the challenge again.”

Although facing an uphill run chase, several of the property batsmen enhanced their reputations, with Sam Christey of Rising Partners top-scoring on 36 not out against a bowling attack led by former England bowlers Devon Malcolm, Phillip DeFreitas and Adam Hollioake.

Despite his innings of one, Scott Harvey of Contour Capital said: “I thought it was a superb event combining sport and business networking - and I am very much looking forward to winning the match next year.”

Worthy cause

The attendees also maintained the property sector’s reputation as strong donators to charity. An auction, featuring signed shirts from Pelé, Lionel Messi and Steven Gerrard, as well as a signed Harry Potter series, raised more than £25,000 for Bowel & Cancer Research and other charities.

Alongside this, guests also had the opportunity to test-drive Ghosts and a Wraith for charity, courtesy of Rolls-Royce.

Andrew McNally, chief executive at Equitile Investments, concluded: “It was a fantastic event that will surely become a mainstay of the season: a magnificent setting, great hospitality, a first-class guest list and, most importantly, all for the most worthy of causes.”