Hastings Priory stalwart leads cricket's post-lockdown comeback - and 84,000 watch (from a distance)

Andy Cornford's XI won by seven wickets against Olly Tapp's XI in a T20 exhibition match at the KGV Ground in Guernsey.

Raising money for the Covid-19 appeal, the fixture was streamed live by the European Cricket Network and attracted more than 84,000 views on YouTube.

Social distancing had to be observed before, during and after the contest.

Cornford, a talented all-rounder known to his team-mates as 'Pastie', was a key part of the very strong Priory sides which were crowned Sussex League champions in 2002 and 2003.

He also had his helmet shattered by a blisteringly quick bouncer from ex-Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar while batting for Priory against the Lashings All-Stars in 2002.

These days Cornford is the Guernsey Cricket Board's head of cricket, in addition to working as a station manager for East Sussex Fire and Rescue.

He wrote on social media site Twitter: "Brilliant effort by @guernseycricket @Govgg @GsyPressSport to see cricket being played today. So wish I could be there but am loving watching the live feed. @KGVGSY looking first class as always. Hopefully this will be the return of cricket on the island. Well done all."

Guernsey are associate members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and are eligible to play T20 international fixtures.

County cricket in England is suspended until August and the earliest possible date for the 1st Central Sussex Cricket League season to begin is Saturday July 4.

From this week people in England have been able to exercise outdoors with up to five others from different households.