Mike Gatting opens the new net facilities at Corsham (21708/12)
FORMER England captain Mike Gatting praised the set-up at Corsham cricket
club as he opened the new triple-bay net facility at Station Road.
Gatting, who has been appointed by the England Cricket Board as managing
director of cricket partnerships, was impressed by what he saw at the club.
Gatting, whose new job includes improving links between the first class and
recreational games, said: "It's great to be here and see how much is going
on, it does hearten me in the job I've got now.
"We need clubs like this because otherwise the game doesn't progress, and my
role is to find a few more clubs like this and try and help them out.
"The Wilts County Board have done a tremendous job by having places like
this, it's a bit of a showcase.
"It does look very organised and a huge amount of work goes into making the
kids comfortable and making them better cricketers.
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"It's great to see the families and kids around and it's not just about
producing cricketers. It's a great way for kids to learn discipline, how to
win, how to lose and how to work as a team.
"It's a magnificent learning curve for life and you don't need to be a
cricketer to get involved. Umpires, scorers and tea ladies are very
important to the game."
Gatting said: "Huge amounts of work have gone in and I'd like to thank the
people who contributed to the facilities."
Club chairman Rob Shillaker said: "Our aim is to give our cricketers the
opportunity to play cricket at the highest standard.
"I'm very optimistic about the future of the club and feel 2008 is a real
milestone, particularly in making competitive cricket more available to the
whole of the youth membership.
"It's particularly important to clubs like us to identify young talent who
will progress through the age groups to senior cricket."
David Dolman, who coordinated the project and was heavily involved in
raising funds, said: "I think what is behind us is the eighth wonder of the
world. We're absolutely delighted with this high-quality, state-of-the-art
facility.
The triple-bay nets replace a double-bay set of nets which the club had used
for 11 years.
Former chairman Tony Shardlow said: "It means we've raised our profile. The
nets were 10 years old and were very dilapidated.
"If you're going to promote the club you've got to have decent facilities.
The ground is great and the square is great but the nets were letting us
down a bit.
"We want to raise our profile and bring the kids down and have a look at
them.
"We'll push them all the way but enjoyment is the most important thing.
Elaine Marston, who was representing North Wilts District Council at the
event, said: "We're absolutely delighted to support such a fantastic cause
for young players and the more mature people of Corsham."
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