VILLAGE cricketers gather on Sunday for a now annual tribute to a club stalwart and veteran of the game, both as a player and official.

Although it is now nine years since the death of Peter Metcalfe, players of his local club, Ushaw Moor, of the Durham Cricket League, have staged a memorial tournament in his name for the last five years at its Highfield Terrace ground.

Mr Metcalfe was a long-serving player, club treasurer, chairman and cricket secretary at Ushaw Moor, while he was also an official of the former Durham County Cricket League for quarter of a century.

His former team-mate Michael Hayton, backed by Tommy Maddocks and other club volunteers, are behind the annual memorial tournament, which is expected to be attended by Mr Metcalfe’s grandson Andrew and daughter Dawn McLoughlin.

The 20/20 event follows a now familiar pattern, with Ushaw Moor competing against tournament ever presents Crook and Evenwood, plus, for the first time, newcomers Durham City.

Ushaw Moor face Crook in the first semi-final, at 10.30am, followed by Evenwood against Durham City in the second tie, at 1pm, with the winners of both meeting in the final, at 4pm.

But there are lots of counter attractions as part of the family fun day at the village ground, raising much-needed funds for the host club.

They include pitch and putt and nearest the pin golfing competitions, a football cross-bar challenge, a basketball free-throw contest, plus raffles and tombola.

The club house bar is open from 12-noon for drinks and various other refreshments.