SAFFRON Walden Cricket Club was founded in 1859 and now, on its 150th anniversary, it is looking healthier than ever. With four senior teams, 15 junior teams and two girls teams it appears that cricket in the town is as popular now as it has ever been

SAFFRON Walden Cricket Club was founded in 1859 and now, on its 150th anniversary, it is looking healthier than ever.

With four senior teams, 15 junior teams and two girls' teams it appears that cricket in the town is as popular now as it has ever been in the club's illustrious history.

Academy director David Barrs said: "The first mention of Saffron Walden cricket was in 1757 when players from the town beat a Cambridge side in a match on Jesus Green. The first recorded cricket match in Saffron Walden was 1812.

"The club has gone from strength to strength, but we are always open to new members and for this season we have added an extra girls' team. Hopefully a lot of people will come along to our registration day on Saturday (April 25)."

The event, which marks the beginning of the club's 150th season, will be held at the Anglo-American playing fields on Catons Lane between 10am and 2pm. New members are required to complete a form which can be found on the club's website at www.saffronwaldencricket.co.uk.

Youngsters from eight to 16 can sign up to the Saffron Walden academy, now in its fifth year, which has 17 teams for girls and boys playing in a variety of leagues.

Cricket fan and MP for Saffron Walden Sir Alan Haselhust will be in attendance and will officially open the club's new nets, which were built last year for �35,000.

Despite fire damage caused to the cricket pavilion earlier in the year, the club is determined not to let the incident upset their playing schedule.

"The pavilion was originally built on Saffron Walden common in 1871," said Mr Barrs. "And in 1954 it was transferred piece by piece to its new home at the Anglo-American playing fields.

"We hope that repairs to the pavilion will be completed sometime in May, but until then the teams will have to share a changing room.