Exciting New Form Of Cricket Comes To Bristol
1 May 2012
The widest reaching amateur cricket league in the world is coming to Bristol… It’s quick, exciting, and fast-paced – so what are you waiting for?
Last Man Stands (LMS) is an outdoor eight a-side Twenty20 format of cricket with more than 20,000 registered players spanning three continents and 30 different cities. Each game is completed in less than 2 hours making it perfect for midweek evenings after work or Sundays.
The new format, which has been officially endorsed by The England and Wales Cricket Board, is proving popular with every level of player; beginner cricketer, returning cricketers, club cricketers, males and females, young and old who just don’t have the time to commit to full game of cricket at the weekend and who want to play a fast paced, short and exciting game of cricket after work.
Gloucestershire Cricket Club captain Alex Gidman said: “Last Man Stands is a short format game which is great fun and very sociable. It only takes two hours to play a match. It’s ideal for former players who want to come back to the game or for anyone who wants to try cricket for the first time. I will definitely be giving it a go.
“It’s particularly proving popular with corporate teams and the world ranking element makes for great office banter. I would encourage anyone who is interested to give it a try. Get your mates together and get involved and encourage their friends, family and workmates to join in too.”
Andy Lees and Stacey Andrews, league co-ordinators in Bristol said: “It’s fantastic that Last Man Stands is coming to Bristol. Cricket has a huge following in Bristol and we feel that LMS will be very appealing. Two hours is all it takes to play the game and, with kit and umpires provided, all you need to do is register and turn up.
A game of Last Man Stands will see each side bowl 20 five ball overs and batsmen retiring when they reach 50 with the option to return when all players are out. The most notable difference with traditional cricketing formats is that the eighth wicket must be taken, hence the Last Man Stands alone and has to score in twos, fours or sixes.
The leagues in Bristol start this month. Registration is easy at www.lastmanstands.com/playcricketbristolbath The system links single players with a team or groups can build their own team from friends, family and work colleagues.
A free taster session for prospective players and teams to try out this new exciting way to play cricket will be held at Rose Green Centre, Gordon Road, home to Bristol West Indies CC, on Thursday 3rd May at 7pm.
If you want to come along or if you want to register a team for the leagues, or to obtain further information contact Andy Lees on 07740 565066 or e-mail bristol@lastmanstands.co.uk
