England man opens new nets
Southwater Cricket Club were joined by Women’s World Cup winning coach Mark Robinson to unveil their new three-lane training nets.
The official opening saw club members young and old come together to celebrate the new facilities, which have been heralded by club chairman Paul Tillier as a great leap forward for the village club.
“It has long been an ambition of the club to have facilities like this, so we are delighted to finally have them in place to supplement our excellent facilities,” he said
The club prides itself on opening up cricket for all who want to join in, which was recognised as Southwater were awarded the Sussex Coaching Award 2019 because of the wide array of opportunities to play and train available for young cricketers.
The new nets are anticipated to be a great asset in coaching the 80-plus youngsters who regularly play and train, including over 20 girls.
Southwater councillor Billy Greening, who bowled the ceremonial first ball, said: “These are first class facilities.
“We would like to congratulate all at Southwater Cricket Club on this exciting success.
“In these challenging times to have such a good news story for Southwater is very welcome.
“Leisure facilities are the cornerstone of a strong local community and we would urge anyone of thinking of getting involved to do so.
“As your local representatives we are proud that Southwater Sports Club plays such a positive role in the village.”
The club are eternally grateful for the fabulous fundraising support from the local community, including efforts from the 100 Club, a Facebook fundraiser that topped £1,000, as well as grants from the HDC and Sussex Community Foundation.
Southwater Cricket Club are always looking for new players of all ages and abilities, to play in either the colts or the adults teams.
The first and second teams are looking to continue their progress through the leagues, while the third team continues to thrive as the incubator for the youths to enjoy the step up to adult cricket.
The Sunday team offers the most relaxed access to cricket, with much of the team bonding making use of the excellent bar facilities that Southwater Sports Club have to offer.
The new Sports Club, opened in 2019, is a members’ club that has become a hub for the local community, especially on a hot summer’s day of cricket.
There is also the opportunity of adult and youth football, tennis, darts and other indoor pub sports through membership of the Sports Club.