Players lend a helping hand at record breaking NatWest CricketForce event
2 April 2015
Gloucestershire’s players helped clubs get set for the 2015 season by taking part in a record-breaking NatWest CricketForce weekend.
A total of 73 clubs from across the county - up 26 from last year - took part in the annual ECB event which is designed to ensure that grounds and facilities are ready for the summer.
And they were lent helping hand by a number of Gloucestershire's first team squad.
Former New Zealand international Hamish Marshall and offspinner Miles Hammond spent the morning at Marshfield CC while Frocester’s allocated players Liam Norwell and Matt Taylor assisted with cleaning the changing rooms and erecting advertising boards at Pounds Close.
James Fuller and David Payne went to Hatherley and Reddings while Ian Cockbain and Jack Taylor (pictured) helped out at Frenchay.
Ann Willemstein from Winchcombe said the club’s pre-season preparations had been given a boost by an appearance from allrounder Robbie Montgomery and wicketkeeper Cameron Herring.
She said: “They really piled in to help with cleaning the bar and all the glasses, pulling out weeds and generally helping out. They were cheerful, friendly and engaged and we really appreciate them giving up their time to come so far to help us.
Dumbleton were delighted to have assistance from Gareth Roderick and Craig Miles (pictured with Tommy Boorman, Glos U11).
Youth coordinator Pete Boorman said: “The ground and pavilion is also looking super-smart, due in part to a very well attended Natwest CricketForce day on Saturday. Over 50 club members were joined by two members of the Gloucestershire County Cricket squad who cleaned, painted, stained, repaired, tidied, hoovered, washed, sealed, power-hosed, raked, dredged, fenced, re-organised and cobwebbed to help get everything ready for the new season.”
Reflecting on the county’s busiest CricketForce, Gloucestershire Cricket Board (GCB) clubs and programmes officer Eric Woodmason said: “It was fantastic to see so many clubs taking part and coming together to get their grounds ready for the new season.
“It was particularly pleasing to see a significant sign-on following each of the recent GCB Club Roadshows in Gloucester and Bristol.”
Eric said he was also delighted to see an increase in the number of clubs signing up for a Jewson Privilege Account. The scheme gives clubs £350 to spend on Jewson products for a £50 investment.
Eric said: “As well as seeing a big rise in club taking part in CricketForce, the number of clubs awarded the Jewson Account offer increased to 54, representing an investment of nearly £22,000 in Gloucestershire clubs.”
