Competition is set to be fierce at Ramsey Cricket Club this summer as the players aim to raise money for charity using their batting skills.

The team, whose home games are played at Cricketfield Lane, have launched a challenge to hit as many sixes throughout the season to fundraise for Macmillan.

To raise the money, the club is calling for people to sponsor either an individual player or a whole team, and every time a six is hit to donate a chosen sum.

Chairman and player, Steve Buddle, said: “It was just something different, one of the members of the committee came up with the idea as a way to give back.

“We thought we would put something back for charity, and it is a bit of fun and competition for the players.”

Steve believes Ramsey are currently the only club in Huntingdonshire running the challenge and he says the players have been quick to show their support.

“It is certainly keeping the players focused as they would all like to be at the top of the tree come September,” Steve added.

Last year the club managed to hit 100 sixes throughout the campaign but with only 10 games played they have already reached 49.

“We haven’t had a month of the season yet so people are getting a bit nervous about how many we could reach,” Steve said.

Topping the leader board is Taylor West who has managed to hit 17 sixes, followed by TJ Harding with eight but others are looking to work their way to the top.

“A few people are gunning for him [Taylor], I think it will be quite exciting towards the end of the season,” said Steve.

Steve, who hit one of only two sixes on May 20, chose Macmillan as his charity for the year after his mum, Patricia, was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach and liver last year.

He said: “My mum has recently been through chemotherapy at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the people in the Macmillan Woodlands Centre were excellent throughout.”

As well as three senior sides, the Rams also boast a senior side and a lively youth section. The club’s first team plies its trade in the Cambs and Hunts Premier League.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the challenge and sponsor the club is asked to leave a message on the club’s Facebook page.

Search Ramsey Cricket Club on Facebook.