PRESTON Cricket Club proved they were a match for the professionals this weekend, and so they should -- because they were playing against footballers.

In a charity friendly between PCC and PNE, the cricketers scored 240 while the soccer players managed to score a respectable 202 for eight.

The game, organised to raise money for Ryan Kidd's testimonial fund and the Rosemere Cancer Charity, kicked off with former PNE manager David Moyes bowling the first ball.

Other former North Enders included Graeme Atkinson who top scored with 34 and Julian Darby, who scored 26, although he is an old hand at cricket, having played alongside Mike Atherton as Manchester Schoolboys.

Ex-PNE captain Simon Davey was also batting for the footballers. And new manager Craig Brown was there to offer a few tips to the lads, along with assistant manager Kelham O'Hanlon.

O'Hanlon has plenty of experience on the cricket field, having represented Ireland at the game.

For the cricketers, Munaf Bavla was top scorer with 40 while John Sumner took three wickets for ten.

Ryan Kidd said: "It was a really good day.

"The weather was kind to us and it was a great surprise to see Craig Brown turn up.

"Everyone made a big effort and although cricket isn't my favourite sport it was good fun and we raised nearly £300 on the day."

John Richardson who helped to organise the event, said: "The event was such a success that the clubs have agreed to restore the annual cricket match between PNE and PCC which used to be played before the start of each football season.

"The links between the clubs date back to 1821 when the cricket club was the forerunner of PNE."

He added that he hoped the game would become something of a social event, reminiscent of the 50 guinea challenge match which used to be played between Preston and Burnley every year at Penwortham Holme.