Time travelling cricket

Chiddingly and East Hoathly have decided to run their two matches in an unusual way when they meet on May 13.

Jonathan Lofthouse, 34, who plays for Chiddingly, said: 'We're playing at Chiddingly using normal 2007 rules and uniform in the morning but in the afternoon at East Hoathly we're going to use 1750 rules.

'This includes under-arm bowling only, four-ball overs, two-stump wickets and no boundaries.

'A bat-making firm, Newbery, is even making special bats for us.

'Everyone will dress up in 1750 costume made by themselves.'

East Hoathly's Keith Pettit, from South Street, hopes no blood will be shed on the big day.

He said: 'I might laugh if Jonathan gets a few bruises because village pride is at stake.

'My family has had a long tradition of playing for the East Hoathly side.

'The morning match will be more competitive but beer will flow by the afternoon and it could be anyone's game.'

It was only by chance the teams realised that the 250th anniversary was approaching.

One of the Chiddingly players came across an entry made by famous local diarist Thomas Turner, commenting about the first match in 1757.

Both clubs quickly conferred and wanted to mark the event, realising that few sides have such a history together.

The matches take place only a couple of weeks after the ICC cricket world-cup ends in the Caribbean.