CRICKET in Evenwood received a massive boost thanks to a £35,000 investment in new practice nets.
Practice for the village’s cricket club used to be dependent on dry weather as players moved their rolling cages over the square, but now, thanks to an all-weather surface and netting, cricketers can sharpen their skills almost all year round.
Club secretary Luke Bannister said the facility had been used every evening since construction was completed.
The new nets were made possible through a £12,000 grant from Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP), with match-funding of £12,594 from the neighbourhood budgets of county councillors Robert Potts and James Cosslett.
The club raised a further £5,000 through a Crowdfunding campaign.
Mr Bannister said: “Sport England matched it with £5,000. We would have got nothing if we didn’t hit our target. It was a year ago today that we reached the target.”
Incentives such as free teas, coaching sessions with the club pro and vouchers were offered to those who supported the Crowdfunding campaign.
Mr Bannister said the new nets would be particularly important for the four junior teams the club will field next season, as well as for the Dynamos and All Stars youth programmes.
He added: “Since [the new nets] have been up there are several lads who come up every night and they has only been up three or four weeks.”
Cllr Potts commended the work being done by the club to develop junior sport in the village.
He said: “If it helps get children off the street, then it is fantastic. Sport offers community spirit and a sense of pride in our area.”
Cllr Cosslett added: “I was thrilled for the cricketers on the completion of the nets. It is a good result for the village of Evenwood as it has been underfunded for many years now. Hopefully, we can continue to bring more funding into the area.”
Mr Bannister said: “On behalf of the club I would like to say massive thanks to the funders, the county councillors and everyone at TAP, particularly Annalisa Ward for all her help and support.
“Also Arnold Clark Community and everyone who supported the Crowdfunder, which was a monumental effort for a small village, including the local businesses FT Electrical, Hathaway Roofing, CA Group, Dufell Roofing and Medsolve.”
