MARDEN Cricket Club are to commemorate their 30th anniversary with a celebratory dinner this Saturday.

Around 50 people, including past and present players, will congregate at Hedley Lodge from 7pm with an auction taking place afterwards.

Prizes include a meal for two at Gilbies, a Holmer Park relaxation treatment, tickets for the RHS Malvern Spring Show, including a 'gold parking pass' and a Ludlow brewery pack.

Music will be provided by local band Rubble.

Marden finished third in GB Liners Marches League Division Two last season, but it's their off-the-field activities that they have been most concerned with.

The side played at the grounds of the Volunteer pub in the village for 29 years until they were told to vacate the premises by the landlord.

They finished the season at Pentland Gardens in Hereford, but chairman Nick Ashton said the club's future is still uncertain.

"We want to stay at Pentland Gardens for three to four years or look at other places, like the old Whitecross School site.

"But nothing is concrete, so we are in a really tricky situation.

"Looking at the numbers, we have got between 30 and 40 people who can play, but they may not have anywhere to play cricket.

"We are looking to move to the city centre, because village cricket is not what it used to be.

"If we can get something in the city, it will be beneficial for everybody."

Marden played tourists VRA Amsterdam in August as part of their anniversary celebrations and Ashton said he is pleased with how the team is progressing.

"Sam Pratley, our wicket-keeper/batsman, played really well last season and Pete Atkin really came on as a young bowler," said Ashton.

"Including friendlies, I think Dave Lloyd averaged about 120 , while Brian Weaver bowled really well.

"We've also got Mike Williams, who opened the batting and bowling.

"He has been involved from the start and played in the first ever game at Marden."

Ashton said seeing the club progress and playing in Division One of the Marches League last year.

"We have become a competitive Marches League side," said Ashton.

"We would like to progress the junior section though and are happy for players who are not getting opportunities at other clubs to come to Marden.

"We need to target 14 to 16 year olds," said Ashton.

"We are ok for eight to 10-year-olds, but they are not going to get in to the first team."