Two former England players have congratulated White Coppice on the club’s 150th anniversary.
Fast bowler Alex Tudor and wicketkeeper Warren Hegg took time out from last week’s PCA England Legends game at Mawdesley CC to speak out in support of White Coppice.
Warren Hegg played two Ashes Test matches in 1998/1999 and enjoyed a near 20-year career with Lancashire.
He’s previously spoken at White Coppice’s Sportsman’s Dinner and said: “I’d like to wish White Coppice Cricket Club all the best of luck in their 150th anniversary year. It wasn’t that long ago that they only had seven players, now they’ve got a lot more than that.
“It’s probably one of the most beautiful cricket clubs in the country. I hope you have a wonderful 150th celebration and I’ll be watching out.”
Alex Tudor played 10 Test matches for England and famously scored 99 not out against New Zealand in 1999 as a nightwatchman.
The 47-year-old said: “I want to give massive appreciation to White Coppice Cricket Club. I hear you’ve been going for 150 years and that you’ve got a really picturesque ground, that I’d like to come to one day.
“I like to see club cricket because it’s what brings our youngsters through. It’s really important we keep these clubs going and I wish you all the best. I hope you can raise as much money as possible.”
White Coppice Cricket Club was originally established back in 1875 by local cotton mill owner Ephraim Eccles for his workers and is a popular venue for passing walkers and photographers.
The ground was even the setting for the 1994 TV show Sloggers, which launched the TV career of actor Ralph Little.
The club marked its 150th anniversary in 2025 by launching a campaign to raise £150,000 to safeguard its future for generations to come.
You can donate to the fundraising campaign here: https://gofund.me/a3ccf0ac