Marathon man Gary McKee was a special guest at Whitehaven Cricket Club to make the draw for an annual charity event.
Gary and son Beau dropped in at the Playground amidst his hectic running schedule to oversee the Ged Blaney Memorial seven-a-side line-up.
The tournament is held on August Bank Holiday Sunday and has been going for eight years, with proceeds going to the Henderson and Loweswater Suites at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.
It is now firmly fixed in the local sporting calendar as a major event with thousands of pounds raised over the years.
This year, 24 teams have entered and when Gary drew them out of the hat they were placed into six groups of four – while there is also a reserve list of five teams if anybody is forced to drop out through unforeseen circumstances.
Net Lads and Dads, the winners last year, will be looking to hold onto the trophy but will face stiff competition from the likes of previous winners Kells RLFC and a couple of strong Workington-based teams.
Netherhall FC always put up a good show and they will be hoping to take home the trophy too.
There are also several all-female teams.
The day is sponsored by Sellafield GMB Union.
This year’s auction has some great lots, from England’s Liam Livingstone of Barrow, who has donated two shirts. There is also a signed bat from England captain Ben Stokes.
Over the years the auction has had items donated by local sportsmen such as county cricketers Jordan and Graham Clark from Cleator as well as from footballers Scott Carson and Dean Henderson.
Whitehaven official Phil McCormick said: “Dean actually played for the club and it’s great to see these successful local professional sportsmen donating to a great cause in their home county.”
The full draw is as follows:
Group One
Cheaper by Cousin; Peagy Leg Side Widers; Piano Men; Tricky Yellows.
Group Two
Donald Stump; Slabheads; Mirehouse LC; Kells Bandits.
Group Three
Chungus CC; Mad Batters; Legitimate Gym Lads; Zebras.
Group Four
Just Got Kaned; Catch of the Day; Netherhall FC; Fine Legs.
Group Five
All Stars; Whitehaven RUFC; Kells ARLFC; Batsreets Boys.
Group Six
Moss Bank Max; Smack My Pitch Up; Net Dads and Lads; Fitzmanians Devils.
