The Hull FC head coach will take on Hull KR this weekend.
Hull FC head coach John Cartwright will line up for the Black and Whites this weekend as they take on Hull KR in a derby match – but with a difference.
The ex-players’ associations of both clubs will clash in the only ‘one true derby in cricket’, with the 20-20 match in tribute to former Hull forward Mark Jones, who sadly passed away this year.
The event will take place from 11am on Sunday, 31 August, at Beverley Cricket Club, with the two sides competing for the RNLI trophy. It will double up as Hull FC’s family day out with the full first-team squad in attendance.
“This is the second time the old foes have met,” the ex-players association said. “The former Black and Whites took the spoils in last year’s match despite a valiant performance from New Zealand legend Shaun Kenny-Dowall, which was played in memory of Hull KR immortal Phil Lowe, who sadly passed away in 2024.
“This year’s match will be played in memory of Mark Jones, who recently passed away aged just 59. Mark was loved by all who knew him, and he will be missed immensely by those who were lucky enough to take the training field and pitch with him during his time at Hull FC.
“Representing Hull FC Ex Players this year, we have club legends Lee Crooks, Jon Sharp, Steve Crooks, Chico Jackson, Andy Mighty, and of course, the chairman of the Ex Players Association, Keith Tindall.”
Meanwhile, Cartwright will also open the batting for the FC side alongside Lee Crooks.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Cartwright told Hull Live. “It’s a bit of a family day for the club. There’s a bit of history with the two clubs there, I’m led to believe, but this is what the game’s all about: looking after each other.
“There is a lot of rivalry there and it gets tense on the field, but off the field, it’s a pretty close-knit sport. Everyone is there to help.
“I’m opening the batting with Crooksy. There won’t be much running though, I can tell you that.”
Entry to the event is free, including family activities and live music entertainment. Food and drink will be able to be purchased from various stalls.
The Hull FC Ex-players’ Association are also hoping to make a donation to Empowering Voices in memory of Mark Jones.