TWO of Worcestershire's most experienced club cricketers have staged their own special match to mark their 70th birthdays.

Tony Neel and Bill Jones, who both still play regularly, locked horns at the Memorial Ground, Worcester in a match between their own select teams.

Neel's side took the honours by five wickets, but camaraderie and the sharing of many years of cricket memories were the winners on the day.

Neel said: "Somebody suggested it when we were both playing for the Fossils last year. We finally agreed on a date and it was a very enjoyable occasion and nice to see so many ladies there too."

Jones added: "Both sides played to win but the important thing was getting together -- it was a very good social evening afterwards.

Both men chose their own sides for the match, and Jones' side featured one player even older than him -- 72-year-old wicketkeeper Ian Streeter.

Jones' side made 226 helped by a century from his son Malcolm, but Neel's team reached their target with two overs to spare thanks to father and son Brian and Jonathan Collett, who hit 76 and 52 respectively.

Neel, who will be 70 in August, plays twice a weekend for Old Elizabethans on a Saturday and Kays on a Sunday.

He celebrates 50 years with Kays this year and has been involved with OEs since 1988 -- the club has named their second ground in his honour.

Neel said of his cricketing longevity: "It is just good fortune really. A few people get injuries and have to give up playing but I have been lucky enough to steer clear of that sort of thing."

As for how long he can carry on playing, he added: "I have never tired of the game. I should have done by now but I haven't.

"When you get to 70 you can't go on indefinitely but I do hope to play on for a few more years yet."

Jones, who turned 70 in February, has been with Worcester Nomads for 25 years and also turns out for the Fossils over 50s team, having previously played for 30 years with Old Vigornians. He has also spent almost 50 years involved in cricket administration in the county.

He said: "I am pretty involved with my own club and I keep on playing cricket to keep in with what's going on.

"There will be a time when you have to retire but I hope to keep going for a few years yet."