MISTLEY Cricket Club has been praised by MCC president Christopher Martin-Jenkins.

The veteran cricket writer and broadcaster officially opened the �250,000 extension to the pavilion at the Two Counties Championship Division One club’s New Road ground.

CMJ, as he is affectionately known, also spoke at the celebration dinner that followed in a marquee on the ground.

He said: “This has been one of the most enjoyable events of my presidential year. Mistley are doing a wonderful job, and everyone has had a great day today.”

He congratulated the club on the pavilion extension, which includes four new changing rooms, toilets, showers, social area and bar and facilities for people with disabilities, and added: “Long may cricket continue to thrive here – I am sure it will do so.”

CMJ and former Essex cricketer Don Topley both spoke at the dinner, which was attended by 260 people and held following the match between Mistley and the MCC.

MCC recovered to score 243 after being 70 for five just before lunch. The visitors rallied after the interval with a sixth-wicket stand of 125 on an easy-paced pitch and posted a total that many thought was beyond Mistley.

Cameos from 16-year old Ben Allday and Graeme Butcher gave Mistley a solid base, but when the last 20 overs arrived 140 were still required. Aggressive hitting by Kyran Young and Stuart Dove then gave the innings impetus.

With six still required from the final three balls and all four results still possible, Paul Garwood struck a straight six to clinch victory for Mistley by one wicket as he finished undefeated on 52.

The Mistley side included Australian Trent Burge, who was the club’s overseas player in 2007 and 2008. Trent and his parents, who own Grant Burge Wines in the Barossa Valley near Adelaide in South Australia, had been in Europe on business and not only attended the dinner but also sponsored the occasion.