SOME of Harwich and Dovercourt’s finest cricketers will be strapping on their pads to take on a trio of Essex players to raise money for charity.

Tim Phillips, Greg Smith and Essex one day captain Ryan ten Doeschate will be taking on the Ships with eight other players on Friday July 11 to raise money for Bliss – a charity which gives vital support and care to premature babies in the UK.

The professionals have come forward to help because of Ten Doeschate’s friendship with teenager Connor Simpson who has cerebral palsy and was born prematurely.

Connor’s uncle Carl Jobling is one of the event organisers and is hoping for a great turnout.

“Essex have been going really well recently so it is a good platform to start from,” he said.

After the game the club will be open with live music from The Deserters and an auction which includes a signed Ipswich Town Shirt, a golf cap signed by Ryder Cup star Paul Casey and other Essex cricket memorabilia.

Entry is free but all proceeds will go to Bliss.

The cricket club bar will be open from 3pm on the day with the twenty over a side match starting at 6pm.