London-based property finance firm Lendhub batted its way to first-time success at the Prideview Cricket Cup charity tournament this month as the event broke its fundraising record, raising more than £50,000.
The annual tournament, organised by Prideview principal Nilesh Patel, returned for its 14th edition, with Lendhub and Investec, one of the event's co-sponsors, facing off in the final, after a full day of action at Merchant Taylors' School in Northwood, Hillingdon.
Lendhub and Investec saw off stiff competition to reach the final, with teams from Allsop, Ellis & Co, REIM Capital and Summix, the event's other sponsor this year, all taking to the field in splendid sunshine.
Each six-person team was supported by a former professional cricketer, with Owais Shah, Samit Patel, Ali Brown, Ajmal Shahzad, Paul Nixon and Tom Westley dusting off the pads to play in the tournament, while former England captain Michael Vaughan hosted a Q&A session earlier in the day, sharing memories of his team's famous 2005 Ashes victory.
Investec was the first team to bat, although it was a start to forget as a big hit from tits opener was calmly caught at the boundary. It wasn't long, however, before the co-sponsors got into the swing of things, treating onlookers to a flurry of fours and sixes.
Lendhub's bowlers replied by taking a couple more wickets before the changeover, with a couple of stray geese patrolling the perimeter of Pitch 1 through much of the final.
The team forged a solid start at the crease, finding the boundary on the very first delivery they faced. While the opponents had regularly attempted the spectacular, Lendhub opted for a slow and steady approach, scoring consistent runs.
This approach was broken up by a mammoth effort out of the blue which landed on the roof of the marquee, leading to cries of "six" from the players and crowd. Owais Shah came in to support the property pros, but was bowled out LBW shortly after entering, reflecting the quality of delivery in display.
Another Lendhub batsman was caught out by an Investec bowler as he struck a fierce delivery down the throat of his opponent. Lendhub then recovered to hit a four as they chased down their opponent's score.
Lendhub's "steady as you go" approach ultimately paid off, beating Investec's runs total by five, cuing jubilant scenes in front of the clubhouse as the lifted the cup. Allsop came out on top in the plate competition played before the final.
A live auction played a key role in helping Prideview and participants reach the record-breaking fundraising total, with generous contributions from guests going towards One Kind Act, a charity that works to improve the lives of people suffering from poverty of health and education around the world.
Event organiser Nilesh Patel told CoStar News the day had been characterised by "excellent cricket" from all the teams, as well the former professionals making guest appearances and sharing tips.
He said: "It has been a brilliant day of cricket, hearing from Michael Vaughan, being out in the sunshine, getting people out of their offices, talking, and building relationships – this is what we do.
"We had a few new teams playing, Lendhub who went on to win it and Investec playing for the first time. Summix Capital also took part, so three new teams, which is brilliant to see."
Patel was delighted to beat the tournament's previous fundraising record, with the eventing raising more than £400,000 since it began. "It's a huge amount and, if we can repeat that year on year, we'd be happy.
"When you are raising those level of funds, that makes a big difference. It's a win-win event because we are helping charity and getting people to come together."
Tom Bradshaw, head of business development at Investec Private Bank, added: "At Investec, we believe strong partnerships are built on trust, shared values and meaningful connections.
"That's why we're delighted to support the Prideview Cricket Cup, an event that brings together businesses, professionals and communities while raising funds for important charitable causes.
"It's a fantastic example of how sport can unite people, strengthen relationships and create a lasting positive impact beyond the game itself."
Listen to Prideview Group principals Nilesh and Jesal Patel talking about the family business and their views on the London investment market in this episode of the Top Credentials podcast from CoStar News.
