Birthday greetings were extended in advance to two former captains when Yorkshire County Cricket Club Players' Association held their winter annual lunch at Fulford Golf Club, York - John Hampshire celebrates his 70th birthday on February 10, while Brian Close, above left, will be 80 on February 24.

Former Yorkshire Chief Executive Stewart Regan and his wife, Nicola, were guests, along with Janet Bairstow, and association chairman Bryan Stott sent the best wishes of members to Tony Loffill, the Club's public address announcer, who is recovering from illness.

Among the former players who attended were Bryan Stott, Geoff Cope (association secretary), Bob Appleyard, Brian Close, John Hampshire, Philip Sharpe, Don Wilson, Michael Crawford, Bill Holdsworth, Howard Cooper, Keith Gillhouley, Peter Whiteley, Brian Turner, Mike Cowan, Phil Hodgson, Eric Burgin, George Moore, Mark Johnson, Tony Clarkson, Peter Chadwick, Tony Hatton, Colin Johnson and Steve Coverdale.  

DAVID WARNER