STOGUMBER Cricket Club have celebrated their 150th anniversary in style with a cricket match against the MCC.

The occasion was blessed with a beautiful late spring day and proceedings were started by Jeremy Danson (2025 Chairman), who introduced past club president John Stace. John was not only instrumental in helping to organise the 150th celebrations and the MCC match, but was also key in securing funds to buy the Station Road ground back in the 1980s.

John then introduced ex England and Surrey, Gloucestershire and Sussex county cricketer, Roger Knight OBE, an honorary member and past president of the MCC who recalled playing for an MCC team when the Stogumber CC clubhouse was officially opened almost 30 years ago - on 14th May 1995.

A fabulous lunch was enjoyed by Vice Presidents, players and other guests in a marquee behind the clubhouse, superbly produced by wives and girlfriends of members and friends from the club.

Speeches by past Chairmen, Derby Ash, Cliff Matravers and Rob Hayes, gave thanks to all who helped, and recalled how the club reformed and gained the Station Road ground, along with memories of past events that have bought the club to where it is today. Key names were mentioned during the speeches, but Taffy Jenkins’ name was probably mentioned the most!

Jeremy Danson then finished off with a snapshot of how the club is doing now, with nearly 60 youth members the future looks bright - thanks to the strong foundations laid down by previous officers, members and friends of Stogumber Cricket Club.

The day continued with a great cricket match, fabulous teas and a lovely crowd who enjoyed a well stocked bar, gourmet burgers from Pete Woodland and glorious weather.

Out on the field the MCC elected to bat first, and started very strongly, with openers Scott and James making the most of the hard and flat wicket produced by the SCC ground staff. At lunch, the MCC were 150 without loss, and looking to make a big score.

Captain Eli Hayes decided to halt the pace attack and instead looked to his spinners, Pete Horton and Elliot Brick. Brick struck early in his second over, Scott stumped for 92. James was soon to follow after making 128, caught by Godfrey off seamer, Yaw.

Stogumber dominated the final overs of the innings, with Brick taking the wicket of Ellison for 17, before the MCC declared on 282 for 3.

Stogumber started well, with Horton and Hayes providing a 74 run partnership until Horton was stumped on 35. Stogumber’s number three, Benham, was unlucky to be caught at slip in the ball preceding tea, before Hayes and Godfrey set about chasing the total. Hayes was caught and bowled by the pick of the MCC bowlers, Tyson, with Stogumber needing 132 to win.

What followed was a dismantling of the Stogumber order, as Ben Wilson, Jenkins, Brick and Yaw were all dismissed for less than 10. Buchanan provided some hope for the home fans, but could not stick around, caught for 36. Despite a valiant last wicket partnership between J. Jenkins (16*) and Penny (18) Stogumber fell 27 short of their target, 255 all out.

Special thanks must go to all the ground staff and committee members who worked tirelessly to prepare the day.