Local clubs boosted by Staffordshire Cricket support

Nine local cricket clubs are set to mop up support provided by Staffordshire Cricket for projects to support the game.

Each will get a Bowdry 'water-hog' which removes water from the playing surface.

Clubs have been applying since February to Staffordshire Cricket for the England & Wales Cricket Trust Small Grant Scheme.

Projects range from ground equipment to energy-saving schemes – but demand has been considerably greater than supply.

Jason Britton, Staffordshire Cricket's development director, said: "We received applications from 29 clubs across the county requesting over £45,000 of support towards projects that were valued at over £68,000.

"The allocation we receive from the England & Wales Cricket Trust is significantly less than the sum clubs needed, but we very keen as a cricket board to ensure we supported as many clubs as was possible.

"A number of clubs were looking for 'water-hog' machines. We looked at the numbers involved and made a proposal to the board, which they have agreed.

"Seventeen clubs – nine of which are based in the south of the county – will receive a free Bowdry delivered to their club in the next few days" said Britton.

The project has been supported by Staffordshire Cricket's clothing supplier Fearnley Cricket.