Teams met for a T20 clash that captured the imagination of many

The final leg of the Essex Vatican cricket tour saw the east London team visit the historic Colosseum for a sightseeing and team bonding trip which was followed by a trip to the Roma Capannelle to play a final game against St Peter’s Cricket Club - the team of Pope Francis.

The hosts were simply too strong and ran out winners during a T20 clash which saw plenty of skill and application on the field by both sets of players.

On the trip, Barking & Dagenham Councillor Dominic Twomey said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of this tour.

“This is amazing in how we have united different faiths. I’m honoured to be a part of this through the perspective of my Catholic background and this is something that we can grow back home.”

Saba Nasim BEM, an ECB Level Two cricket coach took two wickets in the match and reflected on the game and the overall tour.

“This is a very important tour and I’m honoured to have been chosen to be a part of and play for the East London multi-faith cricket team,” she added.

“Cricket is open for everyone and using this tour we hope to inspire more girls to get into cricket.”

The team ended the tour by visiting the Pontificio Collegio Internazionale Maria Mater Ecclesiae Rome for a reception factoring in all faiths and were hosted by Father Dr Eamonn O’ Higgins, the manager and Chaplain for St Peter’s Cricket Club, Father Sameer Advani and Father Michael Ryan.

On the event, Community leader Shiraz Kothia said: “This unique game we played today was about bringing people together from various faiths to recognise the importance of unity, to recognise that we are all human beings and most importantly to understand that this should be a bridge and not a barrier for us all.”

The evening ended with awards handed out by Professor Lord Patel of Bradford, Simon Cooper from the Mayor of London’s office, Barking & Dagenham Councillor Dominic Twomey and team captain Arfan Akram.

The trip was a huge success for all involved, with those touring returning with plenty of memories to share with their family and friends back home.

With such positivity, it is hoped that these exchanges can become an annual affair.