Derbyshire cricket club bowled over with funds for new pitch

The donation means Ashbourne Cricket Club can now create a brand-new synthetic pitch on neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Grammar School.

Costing £9,500, former astro turf cricket facilities will be replaced with a new England Cricket Board (ECB) synthetic ground to meet growing demand for the game in the region.

Marcus Bateman, Ashbourne Cricket Club Chairman, said; “For the last few years we have really been struggling with space to hold matches as the club continues to grow. We have even had to resort to hiring facilities in the next county to try and fit in games."

“This new pitch will be a huge asset for the whole community and create a unique partnership between the club and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School to benefit pupils in gaining more sporting opportunities. Cricket has seen a huge surge in popularity, and it will mean the club will now be able to keep up with demand for youth and adult teams here in Ashbourne."

Marcus Bateman | Ashbourne Cricket Club Chairman

Work is due to start in autumn so that the pitch will be ready for the start of next season.

Ashbourne Cricket Club, in Cokayne Avenue, is home to three adult hardball and five youth teams as well as a recently appointed women’s softball team. In the last three years the club has continued to add a team a year, which has meant that the current grass pitches just couldn’t cope with demand for home games.

The facilities will also allow the school to incorporate cricket into their PE and extra-curricular activities.

The club is continuing to raise funds for additional drainage and grass pitches through a national prize draw, https://tinyurl.com/AshbourneCricket. You can find out more about sponsorship or joining the club by visiting www.ashbourne.play-cricket.com or contacting ashbournecc.secretary@gmail.com.