BROMSGROVE welcomed some old friends back as the club celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first game ever played at their Finstall Park home on Saturday. STRONG VINTAGE: The surviving members of Bromsgrove's first game ever at Finstall Park 50-years-ago.

The surviving members of the squad that christened the park with a game against Stow-on-the Wold on September 10 1955, were guests of honour at a specially arranged lunch before Saturday's Midlands Division One opener against Burton.

Captain from that historic game, Stan Lennox, led fellow teammates Tom Walters, Arthur Hawkesely and Rupel Walters, who all played in the Stow match.

Gwynne Russell, a first team regular who missed the match all those years ago because of a broken leg, was also present to celebrate 50-years at Finstall.

Lennox, who lives in Cornwall now, said: "It was great to see some old friends.

"Even though I don't live in this area Bromsgrove has a special place in my heart. This is a great club."

As a builder Lennox helped design the original clubhouse at Finstall Park and planted the row of towering oak trees, which decorate one side of Finstall's main pitch.

He said: "It's amazing really to see these trees 50-years since I planted them. How many people can say that they have done such a thing."

The meal was organised by chairman Phil Amphlett, who himself was a junior involved with the club at the time of the match.

He said: "It's wonderful to see the surviving players make the meal. They are a dying breed and hold a special place in the history of the club."

Katherine Chidley, wife of another Bromsgrove player who took on Stow - Phil, also attended the event.