The book is packed with photographs from the early 1900s to the present day – not just team photos of junior and senior players but also snapshots of spectators, members and all the others who make Northop CC such a special institution.

One of Flintshire’s oldest cricket teams is celebrating reaching 150 not out by publishing a commemorative book to record its exploits. Northop Cricket Club was formed a century and half ago in 1864 by the Bankes family, who still own the picturesque Flint Road ground in the shadow of St Peter’s church tower where the club play their matches.The book, “Northop Cricket Club 1864-2014”, covers the entire history of cricket in the village from these very early years to the present day.

The 52-page, full-colour publication is based on written records and an evocative collection of team photos stretching all the way back to the early 1900s. It doesn’t just remember the great days – such as Northop’s Ernie Bateman putting on 198 with Australian test match player Jack Fingleton in 1948 or his brother Len, Northop’s oldest ex-player at 91, taking all 10 wickets in 1950. It also recalls the tragedy of two world wars, the constant struggle to make ends meet and the disastrous pavilion fire of 1976.

Researched, written and designed by club members Neil and Sarah Bartlem of marketing company White Fox, the book is a compelling warts-and all-portrait of a much-loved institution that has established itself at the heart of life in Northop village.

“Reading this book will no doubt revive happy memories for lots of people including our ex-players and those of other clubs, our faithful supporters and the older residents of the village,” said club chairman Mike Hughes.

“The book is the fruit of many hours of careful research. It represents not just a celebration of our first century and a half but also the platform on which we can record our future exploits.”

Peter Hybart, Chief Executive of Cricket Wales, added: “We are proud of each and every one of our 230 member clubs but those that can boast of 150 years promoting our cherished game at grassroots level are few and far between.

“Local cricket people are unanimous in telling me that Northop Cricket Club is enormously respected within North East Wales and further afield, at both junior and senior level, and sets a standard for other sports clubs in the area.”

 Various events have enabled the club to raise important funds for continued investment in club facilities.