Story added: 28th May 2014

Celebrities serve up 23-goal thriller in front of over 9,500 fans

It was goals galore at a sunny Carrow Road on Sunday for the Community Sports Foundation (CSF)’s Sporting Light Appeal fundraising showpiece of the year, Jamie’s Game 2.

A crowd of over 9,500 fans were on hand to witness the excitement as the two teams of film, TV, sport and music stars descended on Norwich for the afternoon.

An action-packed game saw ITV2’s The Only Way is Essex star Dan Osborne’s team beat actor Danny Dyer’s team 14-9.

The annual celebrity match, originally named after CSF ambassador Jamie Abbott, was founded in order to raise funds and awareness for the Community Sports Foundation and this year’s crowd was even bigger than the year before.

Celebrities on the scoresheet included Blue star Antony Costa, boxer Nathan Cleverly, Eastenders’ Dean Gaffney, Jake Wood and David Witts, whilst Darren Huckerby and Leon McKenzie led the scoring from the ex-Norwich City contingent.

Other stars at the game included twins Oliver and James Phelps, both sporting 9 3/4 on their shirts in homage to their Harry Potter acting roles, Scott Robinson from boyband 5ive, X-Factor contestant Ray Quinn, as well as Hunger Games 2 star Sam Claflin.

Former Canary Darren Eadie, whose company Sellebrity helped organised the event, said, “It’s always nice to come back on the hallowed turf and to have the opportunity to raise money and awareness for such a great charity.”

“[The celebs] give up their time for nothing…[but to] play football, raise money and know it goes back into the local community, the lads are more than happy to do it.”

CSF disability participants Emil Roger and Rosie Hodgson, two young people who have benefited from the support of CSF and the Sporting Light Appeal, were on hand to lead the two teams out and take on the roles of managers for the day.

It wasn’t just about football however – prior to the match, X-Factor winner Shayne Ward delighted the crowd by joining in with the Rock Choir’s rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are”.

Half-time entertainment was provided by West End star Rob Houchen who sang a rousing version of “The People’s Song” from Les Misérables supported by the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society, as CSF Disability groups demonstrated their football skills on the pitch.

Match sponsor Aviva’s Man of the Match Dan Osborne said, “There was such a buzz here. When you’re supporting disabled sports as well, there’s nothing better.”

The champagne came out following the final whistle as the winning team paraded the trophy, signed autographs and posed for photos with delighted fans.

All money raised from the game will help disabled and disadvantaged people across Norfolk enjoy the benefits of sport.

Match Summary

Sunday 25th May 2014

Danny Dyer XI 9-14 Dan Osborne XI

Attendance: 9,548

Osborne XI scorers:

Dan Osborne (4)

Darren Huckerby (3)

Nathan Cleverly (3)

Dean Gaffney

Darren Eadie

David Witts

Sam Claflin

Dyer XI scorers:

Leon McKenzie (3)

Kevin Cooper (2)

Jake Wood

Derry Mensah

Danny Dyer

Anthony Costa