KNIGHTON-on-Teme CC’s centenary celebrations are giving the club a real boost on and off the field, says vice-captain Rob James.

This summer marks the 100th year since the club was formed back in 1919 at the Newnham Court Farm ground that it still calls home.

Knighton struggled for players last season and were relegated from Marches League Division Two but James says the historic centenary achievement has given the club a shot in the arm.

Wicketkeeper James said: “It’s such a rare occurrence for a small village club to reach this incredible 100-year milestone.

“The club captain David Chance and his team know how much this means to all the players who’ve represented Knighton-on-Teme over the years and we understand how important it is to our community to keep going.

“It’s given us a lift as a club – we have had five or six new players arrive and we’ve also had some good sponsorship money come in to help us make some improvements to the ground.

“We haven’t got a massive squad but we have managed to get a team out and we have got a win under our belts already.”

Indeed, Knighton sit fourth in Marches Division Three, aided by last weekend’s walkover win over Ledbury seconds, but James says the season’s focus is on enjoyment, not promotion.

“While we want to win as many games as possible, this season is about remembering our history, for each and every one of those that have played for this fabulous little club,” he added.

“It’s about giving the club a pat on the back and focusing on celebrating 100 years by making sure we have a team out there on the pitch wearing the Knighton badge.”

Among the events planned to mark the centenary are a six-a-side tournament against several local rivals plus a party at the Talbot Inn, both in September.