Village club to mark 150 not out on Sunday

Morton Cricket Club will celebrate 150 not out on Sunday with a series of anniversary activities.
Records show Morton played games in 1863.Records show Morton played games in 1863.
Records show Morton played games in 1863.

The exact date of the village team’s formation is unknown, but recent research has shown that the club existed at least 150 years ago.

Scorebook records in the Lincolnshire Archives dating back to 1863 include matches between Morton and sides from Brigg and Gate Burton.

In the 1880s the club became known as St Paul’s Cricket Club, taking its name from the village church, but around the turn of the last century it was renamed Morton Cricket Club.

To mark the anniversary they will hold a ‘lads versus dads’ tournament at 10am on Sunday, followed by a seniors sixes competition involving teams from Morton, Blyton and Roses.

A barbecue, refreshments and activities for youngsters will also feature at the club day.

Club chairman Gordon Moden is calling on characters from the club’s past and present along with local cricket fans to get involved with the celebrations on Sunday.

He said: “The club would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone, including ex players, supporters, friends and all cricket fans to come and celebrate and enjoy a fun day of cricket with us. “

Morton Cricket Club currently play their games at Roses, but they hope to return to the village next year once improvements to the playing field are complete.

They’re an ECB Clubmark status organisation, thanks to their efforts towards junior development, and Gordon is proud of their open arms policy to recruitment.

“Morton CC is a friendly club, and welcomes players of all abilities,” he said.

They operate two weekend teams and play in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League Division Four, Lincoln Sunday Premier and Gainsborough Evening T20 League.

An Under 9s team are involved in the Lincoln Youth Cricket League and are actively seeking youngsters to join the ranks next season.

Regular coaching sessions are held on a Friday evening for Under 9s, Under 10s and Under 11s, from 6.30 to 8pm, run by qualified coaches.

Anyoneinterested in playing next season or attending junior coaching during the winter can contact junior cricket co-ordinator Matt Gleadell on 07961 051079 or e-mail [email protected]