LAUNCESTON Cricket Club recently held a very successful Cricket Celebration Open Day at their ground in Lawhitton.

The day started in drizzle, was hit by heavy rain, but finished with a glimpse of sunshine as all of the events were completed with many cricketers young and old involved.

Starting the day, the juniors’ Under 14 Single Wicket Cup was contested by 19 young players, with two slightly older umpires standing in all matches over several hours. With a few startling results, the eventual winner was Shane Davey, who contested the final with Ethan Green.

Meanwhile, parents took on players in a fun cricket match. It only occasionally resembled ‘real’ cricket, but there was a great atmosphere, and the youngest cricketers hugely enjoyed the opportunity to upstage their mums and dads.

In the middle of the day came the official opening of the new outdoor nets. These have been built with help from many quarters such as the Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund, Launceston Rotary Club, Cornwall Councillors Community Fund, Persimmon Homes, private sponsors and a club run crowdfunder appeal. All of those helped raise the £25,000 needed to build new nets which are a great asset to all the playing members at Launceston Cricket Club.

Unfortunately, the weather chose this moment to present a rainstorm. Steve Hill, managing director of Kensey Foods, representing the Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund, cut the ribbon to open the nets, before everyone rapidly repaired to the pavilion to enjoy a large lunch.

As the weather relented, the afternoon 25-overs a side match between the Chairman’s XI and Mark Bawden’s XI started on time.

Featuring players past and present, the friendly match showed that class is permanent, even though ageing limbs may have slowed some reactions a little. Batting first, Phil Spry’s eleven scored 192 with noticeable contributions from Dave Vanstone, Trevor Dingle, Paul Smith and Glyn Hutchings, while seamers Ian Worsnip, Kevin Horrell and Dave Cox all shared the wickets.

In a thrilling run-chase, 26 were needed off the last over to be bowled by John Perry. However some spectacular hitting from Reece Bawden who ended with 53 not out, meant that only four were required off the last ball. But a brilliant piece of fielding from Vanstone meant that only two were scored, leaving a very pleased Phil Spry to accept the trophy from club president Ruth Bawden.

The two teams then ‘repaired to the bar’ to share some memories and a beer or two which continued for quite a while.

Thanks were expressed to all who helped organise the day, from young umpires, Will Harvey and James Naylor, to the many women and girls who put on some great food for everyone to enjoy. This annual event is proving extremely popular with ex-players, many of whom travelled many miles to take part. The club look forward to better weather but as enjoyable an event again in 2017!