Celebrating 200 years of Knaresborough Cricket Club

More than 100 people packed the clubhouse, including 102-year-old Dennis Prest – the club’s oldest member.

Don Winspear, Knaresborough CC chairman, said: “It’s been absolutely superb to see people here that have spent a lifetime supporting this club.

“We were looking for representatives of cricket, the local community and people who have helped with management here from Dennis right through to the current.

“It’s that mixture of parents and coaches that will help to take the future through.”

Legendary player Mike Baxandall, who at 66-years-old still bowls for the club, said the evening has been “absolutely fantastic”.

He said: “When we conceived the idea, this is how we dreamt it would be. We have had a great turnout. So many old faces and friends of people who have helped Knaresborough in the past have come.

“It has been brilliant.”

Knaresborough are only the fifth club in Yorkshire to reach the 200-year milestone.

The cricket club has a series of events to celebrate its anniversary including a golf day and club dinner.

A special bi-centenary tie and cap has been put into production, while researchers have written a new book profiling the history of the club.

“It’s very important to know the history of the club,” said Mr Winspear.

“Dennis wrote the first history 50 years ago, and it’s the past secretary of the club Dave Simmons who has brought it right up to date.

“To have that it’s vital. It portrays what we have been doing and what we try to do.”