Mascots will “compete” in a fun race

Hornets mascot

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Four mascots will “compete” in a fun race when Norden Cricket Club holds a NatWest Cricket Force and open weekend.

The tape will go up at 10.30am on Saturday, with Lanky the Giraffe representing Lancashire County Cricket Club, Hercules the Hornet representing Rochdale Hornets, Desmond the Dragon representing Dale before he goes off to duties at Spotland, and Stanley the Stag making a first ever appearance for Norden CC.

The actual opening of the event is at 10am when Norden’s new professional Daniel Salpietro will be introduced, along with guests – Lancashire pace bowler Gavin Griffiths, and Hornets’ players Sam Te’o and Ryan Millard.

As the name of the weekend suggests, the emphasis will be on the countless jobs which need doing on the ground before the start of the season, and the organisers hope for a good turnout of volunteers.

The weekend also presents a chance for “outsiders” to go along and have a look at the club, with a chance for them to learn about “The Stags” past, present, and maybe something of the future.

There will be an NCC stand inside the clubhouse, along with one from Hornets’ fund-raiser, and one from Shocka Sports. The Rochdale AFC Trust will have a stand in the clubhouse on Sunday when it is hoped star player Jamie Allen will be able to attend. 

The clubhouse will be open on Saturday afternoon for people to watch football and the Grand National on big screen, while Face It will provide entertainment in the evening.
It is hoped to stage a Twenty20 match between Norden and Middleton on Sunday, start 1.45pm, but this is entirely down to the weather and ground conditions on the day.