UNITED CHURCHES CC, the club based at Sevenhampton near Highworth who play throughout Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, celebrated 25 years of touring with games over the Bank Holiday weekend against Torquay, Exmouth, and Devon club, Harberton.

“These 25 years have provided us with a rich variety of cricket,” said David Martin, United Churches' secretary and organiser of the tours. “It has been an honour to be invited to clubs such as Torquay where legends like Worrell, Cowdrey, Chappell and Sobers have in the past hung their whites on the same pegs as us.

"It has also given a number of young players a taste of cricket beyond local leagues and hopefully helped increase their understanding, love and appreciation of the game.”

Unlike last year when all games were won, this time the nearest the club got to winning was ‘close’.

Throughout this tour the 'Orange Cap' for best batting was on the head of Jimmy Mann, who finished with 143 runs.

The 'Purple Cap' for highest wicket taker was worn up until the last day by Bob Butcher – but then taken in the third match by Richard Martin.

United Churches take their name from the churches of the area where they began almost a century ago.

They play in Division Two of the Wiltshire County League.

New players, whether or not they have any association with church, are welcome at nets held throughout the season. Please call secretary David Martin on 01793 770171 for details.