By LES LEVER
A THRIVING and forward-thinking cricket club is eying the coming
season with well-founded optimism.
Gresford Cricket Club chairman, Ian Gibson, said: "This year
promises to be a very exciting one for all connected with the club,
and the opening of our new net complex is just one of the events we
have to look forward to.
"The funds for that project were raised via numerous events
organised by a dedicated band of volunteers. It was also supported
by a number of grants and donations, notably from the England and
Wales Cricket Board and Gresford Community Council, to whom we are
extremely grateful.
"Gresford War Memorial Trust also supported the scheme both
financially and helping with the planning application. In total the
new net facility cost £45,000, of which the club itself had to find
nearly £12,000."
All the players at every level are coached by qualified people,
all volunteers from within the club, and no-one receives any
payment for this.
"The commitment to youth development can be seen through the
achievements of our various teams," Mr Gibson explained.
"Our 1st X1 finished third last year whilst our 2nd X1 won their
league for the past two years.
"Our midweek team, designed further to develop the boys passing
beyond the upper age group, has also won its division for the past
two seasons. Also, all our youth teams have benefited from their
cricket.
"This season we will be launching a new 3rd X1 to play in the
North Wales Cricket League to develop both players and club.
"However, this requires some added financial commitment, as each
home game will cost the club an additional £100 - £120 to stage.
The costs of ground hire, teas and match balls must all be funded,
as they are with all the other senior teams."
The club is therefore looking for any offer of help to offset
these costs via sponsorship. Any such offer will be gratefully
received, and information on sponsorship for individual teas, balls
or hire fees can be obtained from the people listed
below.
Mr Gibson concluded: "We are especially keen to find sponsors to
help with the continued development of our youth teams."
For further information contact chairman Ian Gibson on 01978
852174, secretary John Bell on 01978 752060, or treasurer David
Lowe on 01978 852536. Alternatively email
irgibson@tiscali.co.uk