A LUNCH held by Kent's former England quick bowler Martin McCague to officially launch his 2002 benefit was sold out.

The Irish-born, Australian-raised cricketer was overwhelmed with the response as 390 supporters packed into the Ramada Hotel at Hollingbourne - leaving almost 60 on the waiting list! McCague, who had the support of guest speakers Gareth Chilcott, Peter Brown and Chris Cowdrey, expressed his appreciation as well as his determination to break back into the Kent first team.

The highlight of the launch lunch was an auction of sporting memorabilia which gave the benefit fund a huge kick-start. Paolo di Canio’s signed West Ham shirt went for £1,300 while a signed, framed photograph of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier attracted an identical bid.