CRICKET is booming in Astwood Bank where a new £300,000 extension to the clubhouse has boosted the appeal of the game in the village.
On a Friday night some 150 youngsters are down at the facility learning the joys of the game under the watchful eye of an experienced squad of coaches.
It’s the culmination of an incredible journey for the Jill Lane club which in the space of 12 years has grown from two Saturday teams to five Saturday XIs, two women’s teams and two Sunday teams.
“It’s not something that has happened overnight, we’ve had to apply for grants, raise money while on the playing side we had to get the coaching right,” said club president John Alexander.
Key to that has been the recruitment of former Worcestershire and Gloucestershire first class cricketer Steve Adshead.
“Steve’s improved the coaching since he joined us nearly ten years ago and the number of coaches we have available,” added John.
Such has been the growth of the game in the village that a new clubhouse was a necessity, and here the community played a part.
“Just over half of the cost came from the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) then we had donations and loans, and money we’ve managed to raise of the last ten years,” said John.
The hope is that the club, with its brand new facilities and clubhouse will be a hub for the rest of the village too.
“We have to make sure everything is working properly but we have already had a lot of interest from people looking to hold functions at the clubhouse as it’s a good-sized room,” said John.
Astwood Bank play in Division Three the Birmingham League and take on Shrewsbury side Sentinel away this Saturday and Cotswolds Hills outfit Exhall in the national village trophy on Sunday.
