Cricketers strike out to mark club's 20th year

By nbrown

OLD cricketers went back to the crease at The Blandford School to mark the 20th anniversary of the Old Blandfordians Cricket Club.

A day of celebrations took the form of a Twenty20 match in the afternoon, followed by an informal reception in the evening which included the presentation of the 2009 season awards.

The club promotes cricket and other activities for all people in the Blandford area, regardless of age and ability, but its membership is chiefly made up of former pupils of The Blandford School and its predecessors.

Players taking part included founder member Geoff Pike, who captained the older old boys' team which included Adrian Brine and John Joyce.

It was beaten by the younger old boys' team, captained by Tony Coubrough.

Other founder members at the event were Stuart Adam and David Early.

Chairman Ian Milne said: "We have members of the community from all backgrounds who have played for us, and invited as many as possible to join us on the day to celebrate our anniversary."

Guests included one of the school's best-loved former teachers, John Paulley of Durweston.

Now president of the Old Blandfordians Association for ex-Blandford School pupils, he recently travelled to Loughborough University to receive an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree during its centenary celebrations. He attended the university's forerunner, Loughborough College, to train as a PE teacher nearly 60 years ago.

He became an MBE in the New Year Honours' List in 2003 for services to education, and is also president of the Blandford Opportunity Group and Blandford Amateur Boxing Association.

He said: "To be awarded a degree in my 82nd year came as a complete surprise and was also very humbling."