CRICKETERS in Sherston have been bowled over after netting a series of grants which have enabled them to build a £23,000 practice facility.

The two synthetic all-weather nets will be unveiled by Sherston Magna Cricket Club on May 17 at their Pinkney Park ground.

The thriving village club was awarded the money after impressing cricketing and sporting bodies with their efforts to attract more youngsters to the game.

The most significant grant came from the England and Wales Cricket Trust.

The club’s own fundraising also contributed and there was further support from Wiltshire Council and the Playing Fields Legacy Fund along with a contribution from the Malmesbury Carnival.

Club treasurer Caroline Dickenson said: “We were delighted to receive the grant award because we urgently needed to up-grade our coaching facilities.

“The two new synthetic strips are high quality and provide the ideal safe environment for the development of young cricketers.

“The new facility will enable us to have a more structured coaching programme through our England and Wales Cricket Board qualified coaches and this will benefit all age groups.”

Club coach and ex-England cricketer Paul Jarvis said “The club has made good progress in recent times and we have two senior sides and approximately 50 junior cricketers who attend for coaching.

“This coming season we will field four junior teams and we aim to build relationships with our local schools and villages to encourage more youngsters to join the club.

“We also hope to increase the number of girls playing the game.”

The nets will officially open on May 17 with a junior practice session in the morning followed by a senior game in the afternoon.