The inaugural Richard King Memorial cricket match was played on Sunday at the Heathcote Cricket club in Christchurch.

Report from Beattie's Book Blog southern correspondent:

A warm and sunny afternoon greeted the teams of ‘Authors’ and ‘Publishers’ who met to remember the late Richard King who died in March 2008.

Members of Richard’s family were on hand and his daughters Tess and Anna presented the prizes at the conclusion of play.

Richard was passionate about cricket – both as a player and spectator - and it seems only fitting that after a hard fought battle the Publishers team emerged victorious – despite the last minute loss of their captain who injured himself playing the previous day..... A photo of the winning team is below.

All players were presented with a cap to commemorate the occasion, sponsored by Richard\s brother Tim, who lives in Western Australia..

Prizes of copies of The Basin, a history of the Basin Reserve- a fine cricket book published by Richard were presented to various players as follows :

The Richard King ‘Bowl a maiden over’ prize for bowling

Authors: Philip Norman
Publishers: Philip King

The Richard King ‘Abandon hopefully all ye who enter here’ prize for batting

Authors: Tim Baker
Publishers: Richard Thomas

The Richard King ‘Very silly mid-off’ prize for fielding above and beyond
the call of duty

Authors: Mike Bradstock
Publishers: Tony Tizzard

The game was followed by a picnic and barbecue.

It is intended that this will be an annual event so it is not too early to start practicing for the next match in March 2011.

Team photo above -  publishers left to right
Mark Wilson, Lee Howden, Quentin Wilson, David Elworthy, Tony Tizzard, Brian Phillips, Bob Ross, Andrew Tizzard, Jeff Field [Captain – non-playing], Richard Thomas, Roger Steele, Gallien Chanalet-Quercy, Philip King.