A CRICKET match in honour of troops in Afghanistan was a resounding success with both military and Portland players.

Due to the rain, 22 players re-located to Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland from the Red Triangle cricket ground to play a special game in aid of the Treats for Troops campaign.

The Portland Red Triangle Cricket XI team ended up victorious over the Rev Bill Gates’s Military XI team after a close match watched by a crowd of supporters.

The military team was made up of current, retired and reservist Army, Navy and Marines personnel organised by military chaplain of 45 Commando Rev Gates, of Portland, who returned from Afghanistan in April.

Celebrations continued afterwards at the George pub on Portland where players, supporters and their families enjoyed a barbecue put on by landlord Geoff Daniels.

The total raised for the troops was £225, which was made up by player match fees, a raffle and donations.

Portland Red Triangle chairman Grant Neven said: “It was a shame about the weather but luckily we were able to relocate and it ended up being a great game and also good that so many people turned up and showed their support.”

Since the Echo joined forces with the Dorchester Comfort Box Appeal last month 160 boxes have been sent to named frontline soldiers, RAF personnel and seaman serving on the frontline in Afghanistan. The Dorchester Comfort Box Appeal led by Coun Molly Rennie has already sent 1,093 boxes in the last ten months.

Coun Rennie said: “It’s times like the cricket match that goes to show how strong the support for troops really is.

“It’s fantastic to be able to talk to the military personnel and hear how much the boxes mean to them.”

The Echo and the organisers of the match would like to thank Martin Stockley, manager of the Osprey Leisure Centre, who provided an indoor venue, Geoff Daniels from the George pub and A A-I Care Ltd for sponsoring a barrel of beer after the game.

*Do you know anyone who is serving in Afghanistan or Iraq and would like a shoebox? If so contact Miriam Phillips on 01305 830985 or send an email to miriam.phillips@dorsetecho.co.uk

How you can help

What to put in: Biscuits, wet wipes, fruity chewy sweets, small bottles of ketchup or barbecue sauce, tabasco sauce, Lucozade sachets, puzzle and crossword books, make-up products, chewing gum and mints, letters, travel games, packs of playing cards, pots of long life fruit in jelly, lip salve, coffee and cappuccino sachets, moisturising lotion, magazines, custard and rice pudding, long-life food, small packets of dried fruit, dried nuts, American hard gums, Calypso juices, variety cereal packs, foot gel or powder.

What not to put in: Chocolate, aerosols, alcohol, cans, perfumed soap, anything that is likely to melt, heavy items or batteries.

Please remember, that there is a weight restriction on the boxes of two kilos,

Collection bin locations

Weymouth: Dorset Echo headquarters, Granby Industrial Estate; Superdrug, New Bond Street; Asda, Newstead Road, Morrisons, Dorchester Road; WH Smith, St Mary Street; Boots, St. Mary Street; Value House, Wyke Regis; Wilkinsons, Westham Road; Rieker Shoes, St Thomas Street; Littlemoor Hardware; Tesco Express.

Dorchester: Dorset Echo, Antelope Walk; Dorset County Council, Collition Park; Superdrug, South Street; Wellworths, South Street; Tesco, Weymouth Avenue; WH Smiths, South Street; SCATS Countrystore; Mousetrap.

Bridport: Bridport News office, East Street.

Portland: Codfathers Fish & Chips; Hairstudio; George Inn.