“THIS sort of team only lasts a couple of seasons” said a member of the Lobsters Cricket Club when it was founded last century in Wood Green.

He was triumphantly proved wrong 40 years later as 26 players took to the cricket field on Sunday in Damerham to celebrate the anniversary. Players ranged from seven year olds to original Lobsters in their sixties and seventies.

Notable were the Dods whose family firm is in Salisbury. Grandfather Peter, son Nathan and grandson Jamie all played, 10 year old Jamie urging his grandfather to run faster as they batted together.

10 year old Connor Ings from Rockbourne managed in his first over to take the wicket of one of the most experienced Lobster players, Lee Bradley.

The game ended with a dramatic piece of fielding in the last ball of the last over, with young Nathan Dod throwing to bowler Nick Ings who ran out Nick Laurence as he went for two runs to tie. Lobster Gladiators had beaten Lobster Warriors.

“We played Lobsters v Lobsters every year,” says Lobster founder Will Norris, “to make sure we had at least one win!

“ Seriously, we always aimed to play good cricket and enjoy ourselves. The 40th was a very special game.”

Will, who lives near Damerham, ran the side for 25 years – as it played all over the Forest and in to Dorset and Wiltshire.

“I passed it on to Graham Welsby as a safe pair of hands,” says Will, adding drily, “though not on the field.”

“The good thing about the Lobsters is it’s a sociable social side,” says Graham, who lives in Fordingbridge.

“There’s a core team. We pick up keen players from the surrounding areas. When short, we weren’t above luring willing tourists in if they happen to be in the pub.

“Unlike league sides, there’s not so much pressure to play every week – so people with young children can spread out their commitments, and it’s always welcomed families.

“It’s been a sort of nursery side for some burgeoning cricketers like David Bell, Jack Mynott and Nathan Dod.

Local farmer Ollie Coward has now taken on the side having joined the team in 2000. His 7 year old son Robert loves cricket and played 4 overs. “It’s keeping it going for the next generation,” Ollie says, “so they can enjoy the game as much as we have.

“Lobsters will be lobstering for decades to come.”