The chairman and chief executive of the newest airline to fly into Barbados took four wickets for 42 runs and then stroked a pleasing 31 to take the Man-Of-The-Match award as his team defeated Richie Richardson's XI by five wickets.

The light-hearted occasion was the Virgin Invitational Cricket Match to celebrate Virgin's maiden flight, and Branson bowled his slow off-spin from the southern end with good effect.

Richardson top-scored with 75 off 56 balls, including five fours and three huge sixes, in his side's score of 174 off 23.5 overs.

The former West Indies skipper looked in fine touch before being bowled by Ian Bradshaw. Former West Indies all-rounder Ezra Moseley then lashed 31 off 19 balls in the batting showcase.

Then Branson lit up the afternoon with a number of firm straight hits, much to the delight of the appreciative crowd. His knock piloted his team to 100 off 15 overs and then Franklyn Stephenson continued the entertainment.

Stephenson, a former county professional, slammed 58 not out, including six fours and two sixes, one of which ended the game with two balls left. He added 73 unbroken for the sixth-wicket with Hendy Springer, who made 16 not out, while opener Ricky Elcock made 26.

The game attracted a number of well-known names with Test players Alvin Greenidge, Collis King and Courtney Browne also turning out.

Summarised scores:

Richie Richardson's XI 174 all out off 23.5 overs
(Richardson 75, Ezra Moseley 31, Roland Holder 26; Richard Branson 4-42, Ian Bradshaw 2-14, Franklyn Stephenson 2-22).

Richard Branson's XI 178-5 off 24.2 overs
(Stephenson 58 not out, Branson 31 retired, Ricky Elcock 26, Collis King 18, Hendy Springer 16 not out; George Brathwaite 2-24).

Branson's XI won by five wickets.