Cheadle Hulme set sights on NatWest CricketForce repeat

18 March 2008 | By Justin Goulding

NatWest CricketForce 2007 - Cheadle Hulme CC

Cheadle Hulme attracted more than 200 volunteers to last year's event at Grove Park

Cheadle Hulme Cricket Club are gearing up for the busiest day of the year as the countdown to NatWest CricketForce picks up pace.

Cheadle Hulme, in Cheshire, were nominated as a showcase club for last year’s event, and went on to be shortlisted for an Outstanding Service to Cricket Award (OSCA) in recognition of members' phenomenal achievements in transforming the ground almost beyond recognition.

But far from resting on their laurels, members have set their sights on giving the facilities another facelift at NatWest CricketForce 2008, which takes place on the weekend April 5-6.

Volunteers are being urged to help with repairing the scorebox, erecting fences, building a new entrance sign, putting up advertising boards, and painting sightscreens and the clubhouse – not to mention an endless list of gardening duties.

Project leaders are well on the way with recruiting willing helpers, but Cheadle Hulme are keen to attract even more people to Grove Park for what promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family.

Anyone who comes along to lend a hand will receive a free NatWest CricketForce T-shirt, and there will be no shortage of free food and drink available.

NatWest CricketForce provided the springboard for a hugely successful season on and off the pitch in 2007

Ewan McCray, 1st XI captain and project manager for the event at Cheadle Hulme, claims a successful NatWest CricketForce can kick-start the season.

“Last year over 200 people came along to help out and it was such a great day that there was a real feelgood factor afterwards,” he told ecb.co.uk.

“Without a doubt, NatWest CricketForce was the foundation for a successful season on the pitch, when we won the title and reached the final of the cup.

"That affects the whole club, and the spirit around the place was as good as it has ever been here.

“Hopefully the event will be as much of a success again, and we can carry that over when we start playing.”

Those wishing to attend are advised to contact Ewan via email or simply turn up at Grove Park on Saturday April 5.