Cricket ground given a spring clean in preparation for start of season

CRICKET: RADLETT Cricket Club’s Cobden Hill home has been a hive of activity in recent weeks as the club gears up for the beginning of the new season.

The club recently held the first day of their NatWest CricketForce, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initiative aimed at rejuvenating local cricket clubs and giving volunteers an opportunity to get involved.

More than 30 club volunteers turned up to help give the ground a spring clean with much needed cleaning and painting projects.

The volunteers were given a helping hand by two famous faces as Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser and England Ashes hero Steven Finn dropped in to offer their support as part of the two club’s growing relationship. Radlett CC is the new home of Middlesex CCC, and significant redevelopment works will begin towards the end of 2011 in order to accommodate Middlesex at Radlett CC.

Tony Johnson, chairman of Radlett CC said: “NatWest CricketForce enables much needed work to take place at clubs across the county, ensuring the 2011 season gets off to the best possible start.

“All players develop their cricket skills and love for the game at local clubs and it is crucial that we support their development at Radlett CC.

“Providing good facilities and creating a fun environment can be the encouragement that youngsters need to keep them playing the game, and NatWest CricketForce helps make clubs a real focus for both community sports activities and volunteering opportunities.”

Other local organisations also provided invaluable support in terms of equipment, materials and food and drink for Radlett CC’s project including HSS in Watford, Morrisons in Borehamwood, and B&Q in Watford.