Coldplay play ball

Popular British band Coldplay are sharing their love and money with a village cricket club in Gloucestershire. The 60-member Slaughters Utd are suddenly the envy of the region, after the band offered to sponsor their new kit. Bass player Guy Berryman had previously sponsored a new training kit for Stow Rugby Club’s Under-15s as he knew their manager Dave Oughton. Oughton then suggested to Slaughters that it may not be a bad idea to approach Coldplay. Good idea, as it turned out. The band are not unfamiliar with cricket – the lead singer Chris Martin once played for neighbouring club Great Rissington. If all goes well, the band could be performing in village greens for a change, if time permits. “We’ve asked Chris and Guy to come and play and hopefully bring their guitars with them,” Slaughters honorary secretary Paul Heming told thisisGloucestershire.co.uk. “They said they were flattered, but very busy – but we’ll keep on asking. It’s a bit bizarre, but exciting to be sponsored by one of the world’s biggest bands – but our youngsters think it’s cool.”