Cobo v. Rest of the World

COBO have come up with a novel idea of celebrating their 50th anniversary. The local kings of the evening league plan to take on a Rest of the World XI in a Twenty20 bash at the KGV at the end of the season.

The Rest of the World side will contain, primarily, Nottinghamshire county players and be managed by Ray Dawson, the Notts committee chairman for players.

Paul Franks, who played one England one-day match in the 2000 season, is to captain the visiting side in his benefit year for the county and the hope is that several other internationals linked with the Trent Bridge outfit will turn out against the Guernsey champions.

They include New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming, Aussie David Hussey, who is the brother of current international Mike, England discard Chris Read and former England players Andy Caddick and Mark Ealham.

Jack Birkenshaw, who was once a first-class umpire, will officiate alongside former Cobo legend Mick Mechem.

The club, formed out of Rockmount pub in 1957, plan a busy year of celebrations.

To coincide with the Rest of the World visit, there will be a golf day and an anniversary dinner in June with entertainment provided by Barry Williams, a noted sporting raconteur.

The finishing touches are also being put to a glossy coffee-table-style book charting the club's first 50 years.

Overseeing the celebrations is Brian Le Prevost, chairman of the club.

'I'm absolutely delighted with the news of the match.

'It's an amazing achievement for a such a small club to get such an array of talent coming over.

'Hopefully it will fit in nicely with our celebrations.'