THOUSANDS of runs were scored and wickets fell like confetti at Lydney Cricket Club on Saturday.

Though not a ball was bowled on the ground itself – the league game against Cinderford St John's became a victim of the weather and was called off – the action was all in the pavilion as players from across the generations gathered to celebrate 150 years of cricket in the town.

"It was a great reunion and a wonderful evening. As you can imagine there were a lot of runs scored and plenty of wickets taken," said Lydney secretary Andrew Davis.

Former players from as far afield as London turned up to join in the celebration and among well known names were Peter James, Robert Brain and Trevor Tomkins.

The club was founded as the Lydney and Aylburton Cricket Club by members of the Bathurst family in 1862. For many years they played on a field at the Bathurst Estate, moving to the Recreation Ground in the 1950s.

The town has always been a cricketing stronghold with many outstanding players. The club has also hosted a clutch of county games.

Well known England and Glamorgan player Steve James, now a sports writer, cut his cricketing teeth at the Recreation Ground and he will be returning there with a star-studded Invitation X1 for a match against Lydney on June 3 (start 2pm).

Souvenir programmes are available and include a potted history of the club as well as a draw number for a prize signed by members of the present England team.