CRICKETERS from Marden’s past will be dusting off their whites later this summer to help the club celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Marden Cricket Club are hoping former players will make themselves available for a special match in August.

The highlight of the club’s silver jubilee celebrations promises to be a match between the Captain’s XI and Chairman’s XI on Sunday, August 16.

Club chairman Mike Williams and captain Rupert Lawrence will each select a side from past and present Marden players.

The club are also playing a major part in this year’s Marden Big Event, a community initiative in the village, on September 12.

They will be providing a cricket-themed stall during the afternoon and then host an evening dance and pig roast at Marden Village Hall.

The club are rounding off their celebrations at their annual dinner, which will have a special focus on the milestone, at Burghill Valley Golf Club in November.

Club welfare officer and junior organiser, Nick Ashton, said: “With the long-term future of the club looking promising, chairman Mike Williams will be looking forward to representing Marden for the next 25 years.”

Marden have already started their anniversary festivities and £260 was raised at a quiz night at the Volunteer Inn.

Money from last year’s quiz helped their players to secure Level 1 coaching assistant qualifications.

Marden Cricket Club have come a long way since an overgrown patch of land at the back of the Volunteer was transformed into a ground.

Last year, Marden stabilised their position with a fifth-placed finish in Division 2 of the GB Liners Marches League.

Lawrence finished top of the Division 2 bowling averages and Pete Gale topped the league batting averages.

Marden started playing friendly fixtures in 1984 and, at that time, teams changed in the skittle alley of the pub.

Marden later joined Division 8 of the Hereford & District League and made steady progress.

Mike Bryon and vicar Dave Hewlett proved a reliable opening partnership and Selwyn Williams and Dave Sawkins took plenty of wickets.

With support from Awards for All fund, Marden’s ground was improved with a practice net, shower and toilet facilities. Marden moved into the Marches League and, in 2001, they secured promotion to Division 2 and reached the Marches Knockout Cup final.

They merged with Wyesiders in 2003 to maintain cricket in the village.

l More details about Marden’s 25th anniversary celebrations are available from Mike Williams on 01432 882074.