Timeless test for dinner with the players

The first Yorkshire Players’ Association dinner held at Headingley Carnegie on October 15, 2008, proved to be such a hugely enjoyable and successful event that it is certain to become an annual fixture in the sporting calendar.

Its chief aim was to build up sufficient funds for the association to be able to give financial assistance to the furtherance of cricket around the county - and it raised over £6,000 to establish a firm platform.

Almost 260 people attended the function in the Long Room at Headingley Carnegie, and a welcoming speech was made by association president Don Wilson, right, the former Yorkshire and England left-arm spinner.

Former Yorkshire fast bowler Mike Cowan acted as MC, and impressionist Kevin Connolly and Leeds-born comedian Billy Bean both had their receptive audience in stitches of laughter.

Immediate Past President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club Bob Appleyard, the former Yorkshire and England bowler, was among the many ex-players who attended, and everyone was delighted that Veronica Trueman, Ann Nicholson, Ellie Carrick  and Janet Bairstow - the widows of four outstanding Yorkshire cricketers - were among the guests.

Association chairman Bryan Stott and secretary Geoff Cope had every reason to feel highly satisfied with their superb organisation, which led to such a grand evening. See how many of the old-time greats you would have recognised from the following photographs taken last night by VAUGHN RIDLEY.

DAVID WARNER