ODIHAM & Greywell Cricket Club hosted the Lashings All Stars last Friday, as renowned cricketers rolled into town.

Formed in 1984, the Lashings travel the country playing sports teams and charity events.

Their stop in Odiham meant that players from a range of age groups and teams were formed to try and out-manoeuvre the big-hitting Lashings side, which featured a wealth of star names from yesteryear.

However, the home team could not stop an overwhelming victory by a world-class Lashings XI.

The much-vaunted fixture was one of the most attractive since the club’s first in 1764 and marked an Odiham debut for the All-Stars, founded as a charitable group by contrast just over 20 years ago, but which have remained unbeaten for the previous two years.

With the grace and power hitting of West Indies’ Kirk Edwards, who made 101 rapid runs before offering a simple catch, combining with his opening partner Indian legend Wasim Jaffer (62), the home side were put immediately onto the back foot.

Even a sharp two-wicket spell by Hampshire Ladies player Kerry Hartnett couldn’t prevent Lashings’ former Test stars amassing 230-6 off their 25 overs.

The commentator for the afternoon was BBC Test Match Special’s voice of cricket Henry Blofeld, who showed some of his famed charm by describing a wicket by Odiham stalwart Robert Walsh-Smith as “a shooter” in his commentary over the PA system.

Yet there was delight for the crowd of nearly 500 in witnessing much-loved Hampshire international legend Gordon Greenidge batting in partnership with the recently revived Monty Panesar, after a rapid 20 by former England and Leicestershire all-rounder Philip DeFreitas, better known for his Ashes-winning quick bowling than the medium-slows on show later on.

Blowers, in his dulcet Old Etonian tones, claimed to have spotted one flying pigeon and recognised an overhead noisy and perhaps nosey Chinook; even after a generous OGCC luncheon for VIPs organised by events boss Bruce Applin.

This was high-class stuff for many spectators throughout the afternoon, who were also enjoying the verdant and picturesque ground and its well-kept surfaces, as Odiham came out to bat and chase their target of 230 in the sunshine rather than forecast rain.

The left-arm pace of former Somerset assassin Charl Willoughby seemed destined to outclass the club side until Kyran Munt (32 runs) and 15-year-old Alex Brown (30) moved the total on, with Brown later being awarded day’s main sponsor, William Grant, ‘Man of the Match’. A six off the last ball by Tom Wiltshire pushed the home team’s total to a respectable 149 for six.

Both the aforementioned young batsmen are the sons of dedicated OGCC members – the late bar manager Donna Munt and recent club secretary Jane Brown.

The spin magic of John Emburey and Monty Panesar, uniquely in tandem, had held the field spellbound. But young Alex was not overawed by the former England star and also hit a towering six off Embers, 47 years his senior.

Other moments for any collector’s archive were three lightning stumpings by 60-plus-years Greenidge, taking the gloves to encourage teasing bowling. This at least showed the host’s batters’ willingness to attack.

Panesar and Emburey have taken 314 wickets in over 100 Tests between them, yet playing a generation apart.

With a jolly mood throughout the hospitality environs; the friendly demeanour of the five-star visitors; and nearly 400 runs scored at eight an over, the efforts of all the cricketers and event organisers proved to be expectedly worthwhile.

Odiham chairman Jason Cross, while reporting that the club would play over 200 matches this season at colts’, women’s and senior levels, had urged everyone “to have a terrific time.”

While local raconteur Derek Kearns made a final comment, with pun most definitely intended: “We’ve all had lashings of fun!”