by Chris Hunter

Rain failed to stop play as Lashings World XI and House of Commons XI took part quick-fire charity cricket match.

The teams took advantage of a break in the weather at Sutton Valence School to play a 20 over game, instead of the scheduled 35, which saw the all star Lashings side stroll to a 44 run victory.

It was all to raise money for the Help for Heroes Charity and the appeal for a statue in the county town to honour Maidstone's 36 Engineer Regiment.

Lashings were put into bat first and notched up 155 runs thanks to a swashbuckling half century from Pakistani legend Mohammed Yousuf, and contributions from fellow countryman Mohammad Akram, ex-England man Dean Headley and former West Indies legend Jimmy Adams.

The House of Commons replied with a respectable 111-7, which might not have been possible without some generously tame bowling from the professionals and a man of the match performance from their captain, MP Nigel Adams.

Notable performances included the exaggerated wind-milling bowling style of MP John Redwood – "like a propeller plane trying to take off" said commentator Henry Blofeld – and some powerful stroke play from Devon Malcolm, who was never known for his batting prowess on the international stage.

Prior to the game a "lunch with the stars" saw the MPs and cricketers - together with ex footballer Mark Bright a host of Maidstone luminaries - entertained by comedians Dave Lee MBE and Scott Charlton (pictured above with Henry Blofeld and Maidstone Mayor Cllr Brian Mortimer)

See Friday's Kent Messenger for a full report.