Cricketers bowl up for 100-hour game

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

CORNWALL CENTURY: The Signature Security Cricketathon team, from left: Ryan Allan, Mike Butler, Simon McGrath and Ben Wright, are set to play cricket for 100 hours non-stop in an attempt to smash the current world record of 66 hours.

They're going to be out on the cricket field for four days and four nights straight, but the lads from the Signature Security Cricketathon are determined to crack the century mark.

In April last year Simon McGrath, Mike Butler and a bunch of their mates broke the world record for the longest cricket game, playing for 55 hours non-stop at the Cornwall Cricket Club.

But after the record was broken by clubs in England and Australia just months later, the friends decided to aim for three figures.

"We're going for 100 hours because it's synonymous with cricket and we want to put a big gap between us and the current record," Simon says, adding that it now stands at 66 hours,.

The group will take on the mammoth task at the Cornwall Club from 10am on January 3 until 2pm on January 7.

While it's almost double the length of their previous record attempt, Mike says that experience means they'll be able to manage the event more effectively.

For a start the group will play on a field further away from the pavilion so resting players aren't woken up by noise from the game.

Playing during summer will also give the teams more natural light, with temporary floodlights seeing them through the small hours.

Mike says they've had to get better lights after one of their players suffered a fractured eye-socket last year.

"The ball went above the lights and he just lost it. It was a sickening blow, but he's coming back this time."

Depending on the time of day, between eight and 11 players will be on the field, where they hope to eclipse the 3000 runs scored, 156 wickets taken and 900 overs bowled last year.

Mike admits it's going to be a huge challenge, but says crowd support can provide a real boost.

"It picked everybody up when people came down on the last day."

Along with the challenge of breaking a world record, the group is also raising money for the Starship Foundation.

They hope to double the $7000 raised during their first world record attempt.

Starship Foundation community fundraising manager Jessica Sullivan says they're thrilled with the support.

"The effort the boys are making to help Starship is amazing and it is a huge commitment.

"One hundred hours of cricket is a long time and we are grateful they are helping Starship in this way."

If you'd like to donate visit www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/WorldRecord LongestCricketGame/ or get down to the ground, support the boys and make a cash donation.

- © Fairfax NZ News