CRICKET legends Ian Botham and Shane Warne made a quick stop in Gloucestershire last Thursday evening as part of a marathon charity golf challenge that saw them play 18 holes in the 18 different first class cricket counties.

They stopped at Minchinhampton (New) Golf Club at about 7.30pm and played the 10th hole on the Avening course, the 15th of their 18-hole challenge.

Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham tweeted: “What a turnout at Minchinhampton GC. BBQs, kids playing cricket, even the rain didn’t put them off. Awesome!!”

The pair took their rivalry to new heights as they toured the country, going from county to county by helicopter to play one hole at each course, all in a single day.

Their 17-hour golf marathon began with the first hole at 6am at Rockcliffe Hall in County Durham.

All proceeds raised went to Beefy’s Charity Foundation which funds projects relating to chronic illnesses and other challenges facing young people.

“These are serious issues, but we like to raise money by having a lot of fun,” said Sir Ian Botham on the charity’s website.

Simon Pope, golf manager at Minchinhampton GC, said, “It was a real pleasure to welcome cricketing legends Sir Ian Botham and Shane Warne.

“The helicopter touched down on the driving range at 7.30pm, albeit slightly behind schedule. The delay only heightened the anticipation of the members present, who had passed the time with BBQ food and a game of Kwik-Cricket to get them into the cricketing swing.

“The two were swiftly transported via buggy to the 10th hole, an intimidating 185-yard par 3 played slightly over water.

“With Beefy having already wrapped up an 8&7 victory, the mood was light-hearted and the banter was flowing as they played out the hole.

“A little after 8pm, they returned to their chopper, signatured and selfied out, lifting off to head off to their next destination, Fulford Heath in Worcestershire.”