Test cricketers return to Priory Park to celebrate 150 years of cricket

Test Cricketers will again be playing in Priory Park 127 years after their first appearance when Chichester Priory Park celebrate 150 years of cricket on Sunday 1st July by staging a match against a star-studded Old England X1 made up of ex-Test Cricketers, as well as several other events guaranteed to make summer 2001 a time to remember.

For sale on the day is an excellent book compiled by Sue Price to mark the occasion which details the history of the club over the past 150 years and which contains the fascinating story of the first match held against Test players in Priory Park. It is 127 years since James Lillywhite of Westerton near Goodwood, who was a well known local personality, led an All England XII against a Chichester & District XVIII as a mark of appreciation of the city's support of the 1877 Test tour of Australia by a Lillywhite-led English Team.

The Old England XI managed by ex-Sussex and England wicket-keeper Jim Parks on the 1st July 2001 will include such famous names as John Lever, Robin Hobbs and John Snow.

Other events have been organised for the day including a Colts Coaching Session supervised by Old England players and lunch in the marquee at which each of the ex-Test stars will be hosting a table. Entry to Priory Park is free and teas, snacks and ices will be available.

The Loft Shop Ltd, the company which specialises in products for lofts and loft conversions, is sponsoring this event which it is hoped will attract a large number of spectators. The Loft Shop's Managing Director Peter Stedman said, "The Loft Shop Ltd is very proud to be associated with the Old England XI on the 150th anniversary of the birth of Priory Park cricket in Chichester and I hope that this marvellous occasion is enjoyed by all".

For further details contact Peter Stedman, Honorary Secretary, Priory Park Cricket Club, Chichester. Telephone: 01243 774409 Fax: 01243 778461 Email: mansted@aol.com Mobile: 07710 082663

7th June 2001