THE memory of former Avoncroft CC president John Sutcliffe was commemorated on Friday night when the club's ground was officially renamed in his honour.

Wife Sue and daughter Anne were guests of honour and unveiled the new sign, which officially renamed the ground the John Sutcliffe Memorial Ground.

Avoncroft chairman Rod Braithwaite paid tribute to Mr Sutcliffe, who passed away in March.

He said: "Naming the ground after John felt like the right thing to do because he was such a big part of this club.

"I was very pleased because we had all the vice-presidents, who were able to make it, committee members and some players attend and it was a lovely ceremony."

Mr Sutcliffe had been president for 30-years and was one of Avoncroft's founder members. The official re-naming was done on the same night as the much loved Mr Sutcliffe held his President's Night each year. A plaque commemorating his memory is set to be unveiled in July.

l Avoncroft slipped to the bottom of the Worcestershire League Division Two after losing to fellow strugglers Kidderminster Victoria on Saturday.

A batting collapse, where 'Croft slipped from 28-0 to 50-6, played a major part in the side's defeat.

The team had crumbled to 98-9 when a last wicket 52 run stand by captain Paul Athey and Adam Rodway guided them to 150 all out.

Despite early wickets for Athey and Dave James Kidderminster made 153-7 in reply.