Is the next Andy Flintoff set to grace the KGV?

TEN years ago a young player by the name of Andrew Flintoff made a stunning hundred at the College Field. The then 17-year-old, who has become a nation's hero, was playing for Lancashire against Hampshire in the Lord's Taverners County Challenge.

Flintoff bludgeoned 114 to win the £250 man-of-the-match award.

He had brought up his ton in magnificent style with a six over mid-wicket and Lancashire went on to win a close game by eight runs.

Now, a decade on, are we about to snatch a glimpse of England's next big star on Saturday?

In the popular annual fund-raiser, the stars of county cricket descend on the KGV as Gloucestershire Gladiators take on defending champions Sussex Sharks in the Barclays Twenty20+ challenge.

Unfortunately, England commitments will prevent the involvement of Test squad member Matt Prior, but there will still be a lot of talent on show.

Included in the Sussex ranks are Mike Yardy and Luke Wright, both of whom have been selected for the National Academy squad this winter.

Left-handed Yardy enjoyed a terrific season with the bat, scoring over 1,500 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 56.29.

Craig Spearman, the former New Zealand test opener, will lead Gloucestershire who also feature ex-England one-day international all-rounder Mark Alleyne.

Fast bowler Steve Kirby, who has assisted the Guernsey Cricket Board's technical director, Jack Birkenshaw, with island training on a couple of occasions, is another Gladiator on show.

The Lord's Taverners programme begins today with the Barclays corporate six-a-side competition being held at Port Soif. The action starts at 9.15am.

Also taking place this morning is the meeting of the ECB county executives in the Hatton Gallery, Castle Cornet. ECB County Cricket Board chairman Peter Anderson will be firing the noon day gun.

Tomorrow will be the golf day at La Grande Mare before the main event on Saturday at the KGV, which begins at 11.30am.

During the lunch interval of the Twenty20+ match, the finals of the schools Kwik Cricket tournament will take place.