NatWest CricketForce invades Copley

Copley became the latest cricket club to benefit from NatWest CricketForce this weekend.

The Halifax Cricket League side were boosted by the help of former England duo Mike Gatting and Neil Fairbrother as their ground received an intensive makeover.

Work continued on their new pavilion, the scorebox and nets were refurbished, benches were varnished, turf was relayed and new furniture was received as hundreds of volunteers came together to help out."

Copley chairman Richard Hoyle labelled the event a huge success.

“It’s been a fantastic day, blessed by fantastic weather,” he told ecb.co.uk.

Former England batsman Mike Gatting got his hands dirty as NatWest CricketForce arrived at Copley Cricket Club in Halifax

“I'm not exactly sure how many volunteers we have down here today, but I think it’s above 200. A whole manner of jobs and tasks are being carried out to get the club ready for the start of the new season and to put some finishing to our new pavilion.

“We have had skilled joiners, skilled decorators and people who are laying paving stones around the perimeter of the new pavilion. We have been very fortunate and couldn’t be more pleased.

And Hoyle thoroughly recommends NatWest CricketForce to other clubs around the country.

“It has really bonded the community and the wider community of the club,” he added.

“It’s about the community ethos the Natwest CricketForce is trying to present to clubs and the opportunities to clubs like ourselves.

“To any club thinking about NatWest CricketForce, I really would try and embrace it, it will get the community behind you. We have had more sponsors come on board, we’ve had all sorts of things donated so it’s been fantastic.”