The foursome of Craig Brangman, Olin Jones, Justin Madeiros and Leroy Robinson placed first in the second annual Former Cup Match Players and Officials Golf Tournament at Belmont Hills on October 13, with part proceeds in aid of Mark “Burger” Jennings.

Committee members Dean Minors, Eugene Woods and John Tucker presented a cheque to Jennings yesterday to assist with his medical expenses when he has eye surgery at Lahey Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, next month.

The Former Cup Match Players and Officials Foundation’s goals include assisting those past players and officials, or their families, in need of health assistance as well as funding those youngsters aspiring in cricket.

This year the committee opted to assist Jennings, who is well known from the radio show Sports Zone, which he hosted until recently. Despite his challenges, Jennings raises funds every year to send youngsters to summer camps overseas. Next month he is honouring 68 former sportsmen from 30 sports at his Bermuda Sports Magazine Awards ceremony at CedarBridge Academy on November 24.

“Despite what is going on in my life, with my sight being jagged and losing a leg below the knee, life still goes on,” Jennings said. “Because of sports I never had to turn to drugs. I know there are people worse off, so I’m thankful.”

Yesterday, Minors, the president of the foundation, said they were happy to lend Jennings some financial assistance.

“We gave him a couple of thousand dollars from the tournament and we’re happy to do this,” Minors said. “He is a worthy recipient. Normally it’s for former Cup Match players and officials, but this year was special because his name was brought up in the committee meeting and we felt he would be a worthy recipient.

“On his talk show he was pushing the game and talking about the memorable moments in Cup Match so that we don’t forget. We’re looking forward to getting charitable status, that’s our main initiative for next year.”

Also on the foundation are Molly Simons, Manny Faria and Sally Trott.

Former Cup Match veterans Eldon Raynor and Winston “Coe” Trott were a part of the team placing second in the tournament at Belmont Hills, with John Richardson and Marcello Smith the other members of the team. In third were Michael Corday, Justin DeSilva, Terry Corday and Justin Barritt.

The longest drive on the 12th hole was won by Leon Smith, while Justin Madeiros had the longest drive on No 9. The closest-to-the-pin winners were Clevie Tucker on No 4 and Clay Smith on No 17.