Sight screen is marvellous delivery for cricket club
Boyne Hill: Baylis donation helps club get ready for a golden summer of play
Boyne Hill Cricket Club’s return to competitive action this summer will be aided by a new sight screen, which has been funded by the Louis Baylis Trust.
The Advertiser’s owner donated £1,000 to the Thames Valley Cricket League side in its latest round of donations.
The cash has paid for the new equipment which will help give batsmen a clear view of the bowler’s deliveries at the club’s Highway Road ground.
Mike Powell, club secretary, said: “I’ve been around at Boyne Hill for a long time and the Louis Baylis Trust have really supported us well over years.
“It’s been brilliant for the purpose of all sorts of different things and this year it will be for a new sightscreen.”
Competitive cricket looks set to return this summer with Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing on Monday that organised outdoor sport can take place from March 29.
COVID-19 restrictions meant Boyne Hill CC could not rent out its clubhouse for events over the winter, a key part of the club’s fundraising.
But the club organised a one-off ‘Help the Hill’ Crowdfunder campaign which saw £20,000 pledged to support its long-term future.
The donations also included a £3,000 grant from Sport England.
Mike added: “I want to express my gratitude as treasurer to all the membership and supporters who have generously donated, it was superb.
“It was beyond my realistic expectations and it’s funded us and allowed us to get over the hump and hopefully we’ll start again.”
Club captain Tom Mellor told the Advertiser the players are eager to get back to doing what they love when it is safe to do so.
He said: “Last year it was great just to play at all so to get half a season was a bit of a result.
“Hopefully it could be a lot more normal this year.”