John Major, keen cricket follower and an accomplished player before being sidetracked by a career in politics, toasted the health of the I'Anson Cup at another high-profile event to mark the centenary of the longest continuously running village league in the country.

"Its history goes on and let us hope we re-assemble in 100 years time to celebrate the bicentenary," the former Prime Minister and current Surrey CCC president told the gathering at the Mariners, Frensham.

Accompanied by his wife, Dame Norma, Mr Major met many of the volunteers who make up the lifeblood of the I'Anson.

As Norman Disney, competition president, said: "This is a way of saying a big thank you to the background boys for their vital contribution."

Many of the umpires, scorers, groundsmen (a groundswoman, too, from Peper Harow) and tea ladies were introduced to Mr Major who, in a relaxed and witty speech, showed why he is in such demand on the after-dinner circuit.

"I'm looking forward to June 7 – it's when Surrey play Somerset, and we usually win at home," he started.

Greeting Virginia Bottomley: "I've known Ginnie a long time. She is someone I can safely turn my back upon – one of a small and exclusive group."

He was clearly impressed by the I'Anson milestone. "This is a lovely purpose for a visit. As you know, I occasionally watch cricket myself – in fact I now hold my most important public position to date.

"To reach a hundred years is a remarkable achievement. We tend to forget that it's a village game, invented by some rural genius, probably in the 16th century."

Cricket, he said, was unique amongst sports in the way it was expressive of its country. It's what people immediately think of when England is mentioned.

And what other sport has produced such a literature?

Having spent several minutes describing just what happened to Alf Gover as he ran in to bowl in India, having partaken not wisely but too well of a curry the night before, Mr Major threw down a challenge. "Find another Graham Thorpe, and I'll come back."

Other guests at the Mariners included MPs Virginia and Peter Bottomley, John Sandy, Mayor of Waverley, and Sq Ldr Geoffrey Whittle, leader of East Hampshire District Council.

They were welcomed by Keith Mayson, centenary committee chairman, who reported that the year was gathering momentum, with the tour to Spain just completed.

"The grounds are quagmires at the moment, but should be playable by June 7, when I will be a spectator and watching very carefully for any spin!"

Secretary Graham Collyer gave a potted history of the competition and Phil Bates of Grayshott Pottery, one of the centenary sponsors, presented special Easter goblets to the guests.