CricketForce a hit in North East

11 April 2005

Tynemouth were one of the clubs to get involved

NatWest CricketForce 2005 proved to be a huge success in the North East as 1,200 volunteers helped to refurbish 19 cricket clubs using materials and time donated by local companies and sponsors.

The huge support given by the general public helped many clubs paint boundary fences, landscape car parks as well as rejuvenating pavilions.

Middleton Teesdale Cricket Club were involved in the renovation of their pavilion and were awarded with the Sports England ClubMark Award, which makes them the 14th club in the county to receive the prestigious award.

Crook Cricket Club undertook a huge project worth around £20,000 in materials alone, allowing them to vastly improve their cricket facilities. Hillary Armstrong MP was delighted to witness the work that too place, and also presented prizes to school competition winners who wrote poetry and created flags for the occasion.

Durham Cricket Development Officer Nick Brown said: “Overall it was a fantastic effort throughout the North East, showing great community spirit and a positive atmosphere within the sport and local environment.

“The improved facilities up and down the country will hopefully benefit English cricket and cricket clubs serving their local communities."