Somerset are expecting a large crowd at the County Ground for the Golden Jubilee Day tomorrow, when they entertain Yorkshire Phoenix in the Norwich Union National League commencing at 1pm.

However, the official opening of the new Sir Vivian Richards Gates at the Priory Road entrance to the ground has had to be postponed because the the West Indian superstar is unable to be present himself.

In a message to the club received on Wednesday the great man says: "Cricket commitments in the West Indies have thwarted plans to attend on Sunday," but goes onto say that he will attend later in the season to perform the official opening.

On Sunday events get underway at 10.30 am with the Golden Jubilee Cricket Church Service at St James Church where the guest preacher will be the former Sussex all rounder John Barclay.All are welcome to attend the service.

At 12.45 the players will line up on the ground outside the main pavilion to meet the Queen's representative and give `Three Cheers for the Queen,' before the start of the match.

During the tea interval, which is scheduled for 4.15pm, the presentation of the fifty Golden Jubilee Awards will be made by the Queen's representative to the honoured volunteers from the Somerset club cricket scene.

During the tea interval there will also be the debut appearence of the club's new mascot, a friendly dragon, who will be appearing regularly throughout the season. The new mascot will also be the subject of a competition to come up with a suitable name.

The Golden Jubilee Day is expected to be another memorable occasion and will be of great interest to many people and as substantial numbers are expected to attend tomorrow the advice is to arrive early at the ground.

© SOMERSET