CRICKETERS in Thornbury will don fake beards during a game to mark the centenary of their founder’s brother's death – the legendary WG Grace.


Thornbury Cricket Club is set to compete against Downend on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31 for the ‘William Gilbert Grace Centenary Match.’


The game, which will see cricketers wearing fake bushy beards and umpires in bowler hats, is in memory of the famous cricketer William Gilbert Grace, who died in October 1915.


His older brother Edward Mills Grace, founded the team in 1871 and they both infamously played for England, and also joined in the Thornbury team occasionally.


Club president Les Summerfield said the object of the match is entertainment and enjoyment, with the result being of secondary importance.


“I have purchased 22 beards which the players will be asked to wear and we are borrowing bowler hats for the umpires,” he said.


"I have succeeded David Allen, who died last year, as president of Thornbury Cricket Club, and it was David's idea that we should celebrate WG Grace this year and it is a great honour for me to organise this on his behalf.


“We haven’t done something like this before – it’s completely open to the public and free entry, and should have some exhibits and a barbecue on the day if the weather is good, and a well stocked bar."


Life size images of William and Edward Mills Grace will be hung in the clubhouse during the event.


The games kicks off at 1pm at the team’s base in ‘The Ship Field’ in Alveston, and the clubs will compete again on September 6, at Downend’s home ground.