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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: Martinstown Cricket Club

MARTINSTOWN Cricket Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The Winterbourne Valley club was reformed in 1988 and members have turned out to prepare the club's Ashton Gate ground in readiness for the forthcoming season Villagers John O'Brien and Jim Godding were the chief architects behind the formation of the present-day club and remain as stalwart as ever.

O'Brien said; "At that time there wasn't a sporting club in the village - Jim and I strongly believed that there should have been.

"Initially we were a club in name alone, 11 or so players and nowhere to call home. We gradually built up a playing base and a keen committee whose hard work eventually resulted in us purchasing our beautiful ground in the late 1990s."

The club's playing base has grown over the years underpinned by the investment placed in the junior ranks.

Martinstown will again be fielding under-11s, 13s and 15s sides ably trained by the club's ECB coaches.

Graduates of the club's youth section now regularly play in the club's adult sides and have necessitated the launching of a new team to accommodate them all.

O'Brien added: "This year we will be fielding a second team in the Dorchester Evening League added to the firsts who will now be competing in the top division.

"Added to this, we run a Saturday league side - who were also promoted last year - and a friendly side playing almost every Sunday of the season.

"We also have the odd midweek game and there will be a tour in September.

"We cater for all ages and abilities, we believe in cricket for all. In total we have more than 70 fixtures, which doesn't even include junior matches."

To mark the 20th anniversary special celebrations will be held at the ground on July 13 and it is hoped that many former players will be able to attend.

O'Brien was also keen to point out that new players, young and old are always welcome.

Adult nets take place every Friday from 6pm at the ground between Martinstown and Winterborne Monkton.

Under-11 and under-13 practices are held on Wednesday, also from 6pm, while under-15 sessions take place on Fridays from 5pm-6.30pm.

Players, scorers, potential umpires or anyone interested in more information about Martinstown Cricket Club should visit martinstown.play-cricket.com or contact club captain John O'Brien on 889345.

8:57am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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