AT the recent Dragons versus Scarlets game, members of Usk Cricket Club presented former rugby player Ed Jackson with a cheque for 2,500 to assist in his recovery.

The Charity T20 held in the summer between Usk CC and the Gwent Dragons raised £5,000. The proceeds were split between the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust and Ed Jackson.

Rhiannon Jade Smith was a student teacher and daughter of the Usk CC Chairman. She died in a car crash near Llandevaud in March.

Former Dragon number eight, Jackson, suffered a serious spinal injury when diving into a swimming pool in April. He has detailed his road to recovery in a series of positive Instagram posts which make for an inspirational read.

The annual charity cricket fixture against the Dragons has become one of the highlights of the Usk CC season and one that the players and members really look forward too.

Notable contributions from this year’s match included the Dragons’ Robson Blake scoring 47 not out, including nine fours and one six, hooker Rhys Buckley’s very quick 32 not out, including three fours and three sixes and new Welsh International Elliot Dee scoring 39 not out, including five fours and two sixes

Rynard Landman once again terrorised the Usk batsmen with his pace and Zane Kirshner bowled three overs for 16/1, including one maiden.

In reply, Usk CC’s ringer for the day, Mike Powell (local ex-Glamorgan and Kent cricketer), scored 39, including four fours and two sixes, and was bowled by Will Talbot-Davies

Usk CC Captain, Ben Jones, bowled four overs for 26, including one maiden, and although he took the wickets of Cory Hill and Elliot Dee in his last over, their wickets were bought back for charity and they remained at the crease, ruining his figures.

The Dragons remained unbeaten in this fixture, making it four wins from four matches. Usk scored 196. The Dragons chased and scored 198 for six, winning by five wickets.

Throughout the day food was cooked by a group of the South African Dragons’ players that hadn’t donned the playing whites. Dragons’ number nine Charlie Davies also demonstrated some alternative skills by spinning some sounds on the deck post-match.

The event was concluded by talented local band The Bug Club who kindly donated their fee to the charities.

Pictured are Dragons Scrum Half, Charlie Davies, Ed Jackson, Usk CC’s Ben Jones, Darron Jones and Julian Smith.