IT is sure to be a different climate for Ashley Giles this winter than what he encountered at Letchworth Cricket Club on Friday. The late September weather brought heavy rain for the benefit day of the Warwickshire and England star. Giles, off Down Under

IT is sure to be a different climate for Ashley Giles this winter than what he encountered at Letchworth Cricket Club on Friday.

The late September weather brought heavy rain for the benefit day of the Warwickshire and England star.

Giles, off Down Under to defend the Ashes, brought seven of his county colleagues - including England old boy Nick Knight - for the pro-am seven-a-side tournament at Whitethorn Lane played for The Comet Trophy.

Despite the weather, the competition was played to a climax with Bianchi Furniture successfully chasing down the total of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation in the gathering gloom.

Earlier, RJB Builders had won the plate final after several of the matches had been decided by a 'bowl-out'.

Organiser Mark Bianchi said: "We had a very successful day in spite of the weather. The bowl-out was interesting and both the club and Ashley were happy afterwards."

Next year's beneficiary has yet to be decided.