'the follow on' XI gets kitted out thanks to Charlie
by Alan Rowley, 6th July 2005

'the follow on' XI has taken possession of a set of shirts, kindly donated by cricket bat manufacturer Charlie French. Charlie, a long time friend of the site has generously given 12 shirts to the team in time for the 'Ashes' game against Collaroy Plateau at Kimberley.

Charlie is the proprietor of CF Sports and is the second of five cricketing brothers, the most famous being Nottinghamshire and former England wicketkeeper Bruce. A fully qualified ECB Level 2 Coach and former captain of the Nottinghamshire Cricket Association, Charlie skippered the Bassetlaw League and now Notts Premier League side Welbeck Colliery for many seasons.

The shirts will be worn by 'the follow on' side in their three fixtures this season, the first being at Kimberley on July 14th. On Sunday July 24th, the side moves on the Gotham for the Cricket Festival and are given plenty of time to recover before the end of season friendly at Langley Mill.

Site regulars Adam Harchuk, Ryan Esson and Jamie Rowley show off the new shirts

Charlie has five great bats in his range:

FUSION - Combining the best English and Asian batmaking techniques, Fusion has a slight bow in the blade and the shape has been designed to give an incredibly light pickup for the deadweight of the bat without losing any power.

RECURVE - The cleft is shaped with a slight bow which is pressed flat to strengthen the toe. During the shaping process the bat is repressed for an exaggerated bow shape.

ODYSSEY - Made from the very finest air dried English willow, the Odyssey is a completely unique profiled blade designed to give the largest hitting area of any bat. The apex of the bat stretches for an amazing 11.5 inches, with the balance being maintained by a series of grooves cut into the back.

TOURIST - Exclusive top of the range bat made from the finest air dried willow clefts individually selected. Entirely hand made from start to finish and is available off the shelf or made to your requirements.

CUSTOM 2000 - A five star bat completely hand made from start to finish of the finest kiln dried English willow handmade to the same specification as the Tourist. Either off the shelf or made to measure. Excellent value for money.

Prices start from as little as £99 for a full size bat. Charlie's range of products also includes matching pads, gloves, wicket-keeping gear, clothing and batting accessories.

If you would like to know more about Charlie French and view his products, please visit his website at www.cfbats.co.uk. For more details of 'the follow on' XI's fixtures this season, go to the fixture bureau.