The T20 clash will help fundraise for Ed Jackson as well as for the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust, with the T20 Dragons XI is expected to feature Cory Hill, who captained Wales in the two Test summer tour with clashes with Argentina last month along with Rynard Landman who spearheads the bowling attack, plus new signings Tiaan Loots and Dafydd Howells.
Tickets for the match are available on the gate, priced £4 for adults and £2 for children, with play due to start at 15:00, followed by live music, auction and a raffle.
This year money will be raised for the Running Rugby on behalf of Ed Jackson and the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust. This Trust was set up following the death of Rhiannon in a car crash in nearby Llandevaud and will be looking to support local junior schools, PGCE students, brain injury and road safety.
“It is a great honour to welcome the Dragons back to Usk Cricket Club,” commented Usk CC chairman Julian Smith.
“We’re hoping for another closely contested match and a fantastic day for players and supporters alike as we develop a local sporting collaboration whilst supporting two very important charities, which are both very close to the hearts of all involved at Usk CC and the Dragons.
“The fund-raising part is the serious part of this venture. As the popularity of this event and numbers of spectators increase year on year then so does the effort to raise money for local charities and worthy causes. This year we hope to raise money for Ed Jackson and the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust.
“It is fantastic that the Dragons take time out of their busy sporting schedule to enable this popular sporting occasion to take place. The whole event is fun experience and gives a fantastic opportunity to see your rugby heroes close up and in a slightly different environment.”
Dragons lock Rynard Landman added, ““The Dragons T20 game with Usk is a fantastic day, so we’re really looking forward to going back up for the match. It’s become a highlight for the players as part of our pre-season and it’s a great chance for families and friends to meet for a get together before the serious stuff of the new season begins.
“Usk CC is really picturesque ground and they have been perfect hosts for us. I think the Dragons are still unbeaten actually so maybe they’ve been too friendly. We’ve had some useful cricketers in the squad, and still do, so hopefully we’ll put on another entertaining game and support the two charities. With a number of new faces in the squad for this season we’ll have to find out if any of the new guys can bat or bowl."
