Events to mark cricket league's centenary (From Gazette & Herald)

Events to mark cricket league's centenary

9:08am Saturday 28th April 2012 in Sport By Graham Hardcastle

The Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League is to hold a series of events to mark its centenary this summer, writes Grace Newton.

The league has grown to become one of Yorkshire’s most prestigious competitions since its founding in 1912 and has nurtured numerous cricketers who have gone on to play at a high level.

Several special fixtures have been arranged between a League Representative XI and visitors including the RAF’s under-25 team, an MCC side and a touring Caribbean XI.

The MCC match will be played at Scarborough on July 18, and the visitors from the tropics play the Yorkshiremen on Sunday, July 8 at Sheriff Hutton Bridge’s ground.

The Hunters representatives are scheduled to take on the RAF side on May 16, also at Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

Off the field, the celebrations continue with this year’s annual presentation evening at York Racecourse.

The dinner in November will feature a speech from Yorkshire’s Ashes-winning former England international Matthew Hoggard, who is now with Leicestershire.

And the non-players who support local cricket clubs have not been forgotten, as the league committee is running a tea-making competition to recognise the hard work of the tea-ladies. Entries will be judged at the Caribbean match and categories include traditional and plated English teas and Caribbean-themed spreads.

The league has issued a special centenary handbook, pictured right, to commemorate their anniversary.

It which includes a selection of historical photographs spanning more than 50 years of competitive cricket.

Copies are priced at £10 and can be obtained by emailing pennyserenade@tiscali.co.uk.