AS cricket matches go, it probably wasn't the most exciting of all time.

New Earswick romped to a total of 141 all out, with opening bat H Freer scoring 33. In reply, Haxby and Wigginton scored 87 for 8 before the match was declared drawn.

What it may have lacked in excitement, however, the match at the Ethel Ward Playing Fields in Haxby on May 8, 1948, more than made up for in sheer importance.

The land for the playing field had been gifted to the people of Haxby and Wigginton by Kenneth Ward of Haxby Hall, in memory of his wife Ethel, who had died in 1944. His one stipulation? That the playing field be 'for ever hereafter... known and designated as the Ethel Ward Playing Fields.'

The new playing fields were officially opened by former Yorkshire and England cricketer Maurice Leyland, who said most great cricketers began their careers on a village ground.

"I started my cricket in a back street and the dustbin lid was knocked off many a time," he said.

"Through the generosity of Mr Ward you have got some beautiful grounds and a good start.

"There is no reason why, at some future date, Haxby or Wigginton should not produce a cricketer for England."

Mr Leyland then went on to bowl the opening over of that inaugural cricket match.

There was a real festival atmosphere on the day, says Alan Clark of the Haxby and Wigginton Local History Group - who knows, because he was there.

"Before the opening ceremony Mr Basil Hurdus, headmaster of Haxby School, organised children's games, which attracted many of the local juniors - including me," Alan remembers. "I was delighted at receiving the gold medal for success in the 'slow bicycle' race."

Not as easy to do as it sounds, that. "There's a real art to cycling slowly," Alan says. "I remember it well. I can't believe it was 70 years ago!"

Perhaps true to form, given the nature of the opening match and the award of medals for a slow bicycle race, neither Haxby nor Wigginton have produced a Yorkshire or England cricketer. And they're sadly not likely to now. There's no longer a cricket club based at the Ethel Ward Playing Fields, though a host of other sports, including football and netball, are played there.

The original pavilion was replaced in 1964 by a new one entirely built by volunteer labour. "And untold numbers of local sporting residents have greatly benefited, as indeed have all ages of the general public by virtue of the children's play area, band stand, and scout hut which have been added, and the staging of the annual Haxby Carnival," Alan says.

Kenneth Ward would no doubt have been thrilled.

There will be no official ceremony to mark the playing fields' 70th anniversary on Tuesday next week - May 8.

But those like Alan Clark who remember that inaugural cricket match 70 years ago won't forget what an important date it is...

Stephen Lewis