Dartmouth ready to host England ace Freddie at short notice

The spiritual home of the Navy’s Officer Corps were ready for Freddie – England cricketing ace Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff who paid a surprise visit to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.

The college stepped in to help young local cricketers who were holding a training session with the recently-retired England all-rounder were unable to stage it their original value.

A plea for help from local Tim Slade to the gym at BRNC was answered by WO Natasha Pulley, the college’s physical training and recreation officer.

“I got a call asking if we could accommodate a training session that had been secured through an auction of promises in aid of the Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation.

“There had been a change in time which meant the first venue was no longer available and we were delighted to welcome the event.”

Using the indoor nets Freddie, who was twice part of an England Ashes-winning side, gave some batting and bowling tips to around 20 young lads for just over two hours of informal instruction with their parents looking on.

“We all had a great time and I was extremely grateful to the college for taking this on at short notice,”  said Tim.

College staff and Young Officers were also seen on the sidelines watching with interest, picking up tips for the forthcoming season – and of course the odd autograph or two.