Popular Brophy determined to reap benefits of his hard work

A bucket collection for Brophy – the club’s beneficiary for 2011 – raised a whopping £1,021 on day two of the game.

What was even more striking was that Brophy was not even present when the collection took place.

He was gearing up for Yorkshire’s second team match against Ireland A at Harrogate, where he scored 118 to help his side to victory by an innings and 75 runs.

Although having a benefit year in the current economic climate is far from ideal, Brophy’s is going as well as could have been hoped.

Helped by the administrative skill of benefit chairman Dave Callaghan, the BBC Radio Leeds cricket commentator whose hard work behind the scenes has enabled Brophy to concentrate fully on his cricket, the South African wicketkeeper-batsman has managed to ride the financial trend.

Brophy’s benefit may not break any records – but it is proceeding in healthy style.

It is testimony not only to the industry that has gone into organising it but the esteem in which Brophy is held among the Yorkshire public, who have warmed to his smiling nature and unassuming character.

“The benefit is going along really nicely,” said Brophy, who joined Yorkshire from Northamptonshire in 2005.

“We were very realistic when we started off about what we wanted to achieve and we’ve been reaching our goals as the year has gone on.

“The economic climate has probably affected things slightly, but we’ve gone out of our way to take that into account and to price tickets accordingly.

“We haven’t gone over the top in that respect because we recognise that money is tight and have tried to make events as affordable as possible.”

The next date on Brophy’s calendar is a one-day game at Walton Cricket Club taking place this Sunday.

The match is part of Walton’s centenary celebrations and is set to feature Yorkshire players such as Andrew Gale, Anthony McGrath, Joe Sayers, Joe Root and Rich Pyrah.

Events continue throughout the year, with the focal point a dinner at the Oval on September 29 which includes guest speakers Alastair Cook and Nasser Hussain.

It is further tribute to Brophy’s standing on the circuit that Cook, the current England one-day captain, and Hussain, a former England captain, are turning out to lend their support.

Brophy explained: “Alastair and myself both have links with Yorkshire Bank and pretty much deal with the same people, so that’s how his involvement in the dinner came about.

“I don’t know Nasser that well, but I called him up and asked if he fancied doing this for me, and you tend to find that a lot of former cricketers try to help out current players for a benefit because they’ve been through the same process themselves.

“It will be fascinating to hear them speak and particularly interesting to hear Alastair talk about everything he has done during the last year, what with playing so well in the Ashes series and going on to captain England.

“He’s doing brilliantly with England at the moment and has answered all his critics in my opinion as far as his one-day cricket is concerned.”

While his benefit programme continues apace, Brophy is fighting hard to regain a regular first team spot.

He has made only five first-class appearances this summer as Yorkshire have preferred Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps, along with 21-year-old Zimbabwean Gary Ballance with the bat.

But Brophy is contracted until the end of next summer and remains determined to force his way back into the team.

There is no doubt he still has much to offer – as evidenced by his latest century for the seconds last week.

“I’m doing everything I can to get a first team place,” added Brophy, who has played 120 first-class matches since making his debut during the 1996-97 season.

“I feel as though I’m playing well at the moment and, when I do get an opportunity, I’ve just got to take it.

“The main thing is that I’m still hungry to play.

“I don’t want to just be playing second team cricket for the rest of my career, but I haven’t got control over that beyond trying to perform as well as possible.

“I just have to keep producing the goods and knocking on the door and, hopefully, the chances will come.

“Yorkshire have obviously gone with Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps in Championship cricket and I’m quite realistic about the situation.

“I’m 35 years of age, he’s 21, and I know where I stand.

“But I still feel I’ve got a lot to offer in the first team and I’m determined to help bring success to the club.

“That remains a big ambition.”

Brophy showed his class during the opening Championship match of the season.

He scored 177 not out against Worcestershire at New Road – arguably the best innings by a Yorkshire player this summer as he unveiled some of the sweetest straight drives one is likely to see.

Brophy is grateful to Yorkshire’s supporters for backing his benefit and their touching generosity at Scarborough last week.

“I’d just like to thank everyone who chipped in and also everyone who’s helped out this year,” he said.

“I really appreciate the kindness that people have shown.”

Sunday’s game at Walton starts at 1.30pm. Gates open at noon and tickets are priced £5 in advance for adults or £7 on the door. Children under 14 are admitted free.

There will be a BBQ and refreshment tent available all day, while a charity auction and raffle will also be held.

Tickets are available from Andrew Clews on 07974 346526 or by e-mailing [email protected] Details of all Gerard Brophy’s benefit events can be obtained from benefit chairman Dave Callaghan on 07922 109055.

Alternatively, e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]

Diary dates for Brophy’s benefit

July 24: Walton Cricket Club – special one-day match involving Yorkshire’s first team players

Aug 16: Dunnington Cricket Club, York – one-day match involving Yorkshire’s first team players

Sep 11: Village Hotel, Headingley – lunch with Brophy and Yorkshire team-mates

Sep 12: Headingley cricket ground, six-a-side cricket tournament

Sep 25: Retford Twenty20 cricket tournament

Sep 29: Showpiece dinner at the Oval including guest speakers Alastair Cook and Nasser Hussain

Oct 4: Golf day at Oulton Hall

Oct 7: Ilkley lunch

Oct 20: Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society Q&A night

Nov 10: Blackpool Cricket Society Q&A night

* The closing dinner has yet to be arranged.