The eight-page letter, posted yesterday to all 18,000 or so members, looks at the pros and cons of female admission before concluding that ``a large majority of the committee have reached the view that the benefits of lady membership are incontrovertible''. The club's president, Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, said last year when he took office that the issue needed airing again.

The last vote among members was forced in 1991 after the former England women's captain, Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, was proposed for membership by the late Brian Johnston and seconded by Sir Tim Rice. Sir Tim is now on the committee.

The pro-women lobby were comfortably seen off 4,727 to 2,371 so a large swing is needed for the motion to be passed, especially as a two-thirds majority is required.

In the unlikely event of a complete change of heart by the membership, women would not be eligible for election much before 2018 as there is a 20-year waiting list.

The committee's letter states that female admission ``would enable the club to play a more active part in the encouragement of ladies' cricket. It would be beneficial in facilitating corporate sponsorship and public funding to the club''.

The letter adds that the club's public image would be enhanced as ``the fact that it has remained a gentlemen's club has led certain sections of the media to portray it as an old-fashioned, male preserve''.

Darren Moffat, the South African Students opener, made England Under-19 pay for four dropped catches as he made 130 out of his side's 255 for four on the first day of their match in Port Elizabeth yesterday.