Throughout its Centenary Year, the I'Anson Competition has gone for high-profile celebrations – Christopher Martin-Jenkins and John Major at the launch functions, a grand exhibition at the Maltings, matches against Old England, Lord's Taverners and England Ladies.

The Gala Dinner at lofty Farnham Castle was a fitting finale on Saturday, with 150 guests gathering to be entertained by former England cricketer Chris Cowdrey and top comedian Barry Williams, and to pay tribute to the men behind the successful Centenary programme.

Chairman Keith Mayson asked his centenary committee – Graham Collyer, Les Davis, Frank Lunt, Martin Pryce, Ron Neil, Ken Williams – to each take a bow and he singled out Ron Neil: "The year wouldn't have gone nearly so well without him. No-one knows what he has put in"

Graham Collyer, in turn, thanked Keith Mayson for his inspiring leadership over nearly three years of planning.

The guests included Bob West, managing director of Farnham Castle Newspapers whose proprietor, Sir Ray Tindle, had been the Centenary Year's main sponsor, editor Peter Thompson, sports editor Carl Obert and the Mayor of Farnham, Victor Duckett.

Phil Bates of Grayshott Pottery, another sponsor and good friend to the competition, was also present.

Master of ceremonies, Peter Slinger, proud to have played I'Anson cricket in five decades, recalled the outstanding teams and characters he had encountered over the years. There was also a 'Slinger Ode'.

He praised I'Anson officers for their vision in introducing changes that had led to a dramatic expansion of the league.

Chris Cowdrey, with an easy humour so reminiscent of his father, showed why he is in hot demand on the after-dinner circuit, as did Barry Williams, a comedian of the old school with a timing worthy of Bob Hope.

Tony Boniface, a ghostly apparition through gothic windows, was grist to the comedian's mill, as was a Great Hall lavishly decorated for Christmas (not a bauble in sight).

Ron Neil and Ken Mansell showed they can take it, as well as dish it out.

There was a pleasant surprise for league president Norman Disney when, on behalf of the I'Anson, Chris Cowdrey presented him with an inscribed silver tray to mark his 50 years' service to the competition.

Two autographed bats were auctioned, making £170 and £370. I'Anson funds were also swelled by the now obligatory heads-or-tails competition. This raised £610, with the Herald's sports editor being pipped in the final by Martin Pryce.