CRICKETING friends of a young man who died at just 24 have now topped £8,000 in their quest to raise charity cash in his memory.

Tibberton CC's fourth annual Anthony Hodges Memorial Match against Taynton Stragglers raised more than £2,000 for the charity Brain Tumour UK charity, bringing the total over the four years to more than £8,000.

Anthony died in April 2005 and was working in Cambridge after gaining a first class degree in pharmacy.

He was taken ill less than six months before his death.

His family and friends were determined to remember him in a positive way with a day of cricketing fun which he would have loved.

The match, at Taynton and Tibberton village hall in Taynton, was held on August 31.

"The match was again exciting with both sides at times looking to take the honours," said Andrew Gardner of Tibberton CC.

"In a tight finish to the game Taynton came out winners, reaching Tibberton's total of 147 runs with two balls to spare.

"Fittingly man of the match was awarded to Simon Hodges (Anthony's elder brother), of Tibberton, for a great performance with both bat and the ball."

An under 11s match was also staged, with Taynton Juniors winning the match off the last ball of the game.

A pig roast was held after the matches too.

"We wish to thank all those who attended, those businesses who donated prizes for the raffle, the many people who helped on the day itself, especially the tennis club), and the members of both teams – without all of these the event would not have raised what it did," said Andrew.