SUPPORT FROM AUSTRALIA FOR TODAY'S GARY ('BOTTLER') SMITH TESTIMONIAL MATCH IN BRIGG

As this Brigg Blog post went live at 12.15am today, fingers were firmly crossed for some half-decent weather this afternoon (Saturday, June 26) so the testimonial cricket match to benefit long-serving Brigg Town opening batsman Gary (Bottler) Smith can go ahead as planned at the Recreation Ground (players meeting from 1pm).
Messages of support have been received from Gary's ex-playing colleagues living in Brigg, our district, elsewhere in the UK and even abroad, including one from Simon Church on the other side of the world in Perth, West Australia.
Simon, who has penned a message he hopes can be read out during today's testimonial, emailed Brigg Blog to say: "I just wish I was there in person, but please be assured we will be there in spirit and I look forward to hearing reports of the game."
Hundreds of people have already read Brigg Blog's preview of this game which we posted on Thursday morning, accompanied by a montage of pictures showing Gary, who still lives in the town, during his playing career.
https://nigelfishersbriggblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/special-testimonial-match-in-brigg-for.html
Today's arrangements are being managed by long-serving Brigg all-rounder Jack Richards, who Gary's former team-mates are welcome to contact by email j.richards136@btinternet.com
Today's game will be T20 format (20 overs/120 balls per side) bringing back memories of the Broughton & District Evening League encounters which Gary (and many others) enjoyed over the years at the Rec, off Wrawby Road. These were 14 or 16 eight-ball overs an innings (112 or 128 deliveries). Sadly, this league, established in the 1960s, no longer functions.
Brigg also played a few seasons in the West Wold Evening League, with Gary being a member of the team.
Anyone wishing to support today's testimonial is welcome to spectate (observing social distancing) or contact Jack by email.
If you are among them and have something suitable to donate as a prize for the match day raffle, please drop it/them off at the Rec early this afternoon or contact current members of the club you may know.
Gary's well-known sense of humour was demonstrated many years ago while Brigg Town Cricket Club was playing home games at Sir John Nelthorpe School. Due to building work, a huge pile of sand was located near the gymnasium. Gary suddenly shot off and ran up the incline to the top, proclaiming: "Gary M. Smith...Krypton Factor!"
This was a reference to the type of physical challenge being faced by 1980s competitors in the popular TV series hosted by Gordon Burns.

PICTURED: Gary Smith (left) as a Brigg Town cricketer in the mid-1990s, ex-Brigg player Simon Church down-under in Australia, and a match under way at Brigg Recreation Ground with the fine new changing room block in the distance.