CRICKET: T20 tussle at Thorpe Hesley is a winner for 21-year-old stroke victim Mateo Boulogne

A CRICKET match staged to help a young player struck down by a stroke served up stellar entertainment – and funds to help his recovery.

Thorpe Hesley & High Green CC brought together performers from the Yorkshire Southern Premier League and surrounding leagues for a T20 match in aid of popular and talented team member Mateo Boulogne.

The occasion at the club’s ground at Smithywood Road raised £1,615 to support the 21-year-old.

Club chairman Stephen Hague said: “It was a great day, a good amount was raised for Mateo and the match was amazing too. One hit for six landed on the slip road of the motorway!”

Mateo was among the crowd on Sunday and enjoyed the entertainment more than anything.

“It was a really good game,” he said. “There were some good cricketers from around the town and a fair few people turned out and I appreciate that.”

Mateo, a prolific runs scorer, suffered the stroke the night before a match a few weeks ago, shocking friends, family and team-mates.

He faces a long road to recovery and because he is not a UK citizen, he has to meet an expensive medical bill.

“I’m as OK as can be, I guess,” he added. “I still have numbness on the left side of my body but it is getting better bit by bit.”

Mateo returns to his native West Indies next week to continue his recovery and hopes to eventually return to cricket. A Go Fund Me page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Mateo Boulogne