The Church of England has beaten the representatives from the Vatican in the first cricket match between the two Christian denominations.
The St Peter’s XI scored 106 from their 20 overs against the formidable Anglican XI, who romped home with 5 balls to spare, winning by 6 wickets.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby congratulated both sides, and presented the trophy to winning captain Stephen Gray.
Speaking before the game, Father Tony Currer, the captain of the Vatican XI, called the match “the biggest game of my life”:
“If one of the boys gets hit in the face by a ball, it could set back ecumenical relations by decades!”
He also dismissed the idea that, despite the competition, the teams would sledge each other.
“I’m expecting a very civil game. We’re going to play it in the spirit of real sportsmanship.”
Reverend Stephen Gray, the captain of the Anglican XI, admitted that his team would be the favourites.
“We feel good, it’s great to be here. A few of our boys have played some high end cricket before, but it should be a good contest.
Reverend Gray also reminded those assembled why they were playing; to raise awareness, and money, for the Global Freedom Network. A joint initiative between religious leaders, including Pope Francis and The Archbishop of Canterbury, the network is committed to eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking across the world.