Hartlepool Cricket Club’s annual double wicket competition in memory of club legend Ian Jackson will take place this year on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August.

Every year Hartlepool cricketers – both past and present - compete against each other in teams of two for the coveted Ian Jackson Memorial Double Wicket Trophy.

The popular, left-arm pace bowler, who was a 1st team regular, county player and a junior coach, died in 2016 at the age of 47.

The event always attracts a bumper crowd to Park Drive and has been running for several years.

Last year, Alan Tebbett and Harry Henderson lifted the trophy, edging out Jake Richardson and Matthew Guffick in the final.

Ian’s wife Louise Jackson said: “The double wicket competition means so much to the whole family and it is always a brilliant day.

“It presents an opportunity for family and friends to come together to remember Ian and talk about his time at Park Drive which always ends in laughter.”

Hartlepool Cricket Club Chair, Alan Jackson, said: “Everyone always looks forward to the double wicket competition. It is always well supported with teams competing in a spirit that befits Ian.

“Ian was an outstanding cricketer who came to Park Drive at a young age and went on to be a 1st team regular for many years and also played at County level.

“The competition is a great way for the Club to continue to remember Ian and to show our continuing support for his lovely family.”

Chris Cawson, the Club’s 1st team scorer and event organiser, said: “Every year the event has always attracted the maximum number of entries and I’m sure it will be the same this year.

“The event is always hugely popular and brings together cricketers from across our many sides, including juniors and some former players.”

Ian’s son Max (18), who opens the bowling for the 1st team and captained the side for the first time recently, is a former winner of the competition.

Players can enter by adding their names to the entry list in the Club Pavilion.

The competition gets underway at 12noon. Admission is free, the bar will be open, and spectators are very welcome.