Trio pour passion into making, fixing bats

Three passionate cricket-lovers have recently opened a cricket bat manufacturing and repairing factory in the SPDC Complex in East London.

This is the only bat factory in East London, but the second in the Eastern Cape.

The three, Lyle Clark-Evans, Jason Kumm and Ross Wilkie, decided during 2018 to plough back all that they have learnt about the game.

The three decided on the name “Wagtail”, complete with the appropriate logo and promotional stickers.

“There are always wagtails at cricket matches, so it’s very apt,” said Wilkie, a former middleorder club batsman.

They first targeted U15 players and first team school cricketers in and around the city.

“The players can choose what sort of bat they want – where they want the ‘sweet spot’,” said Clark-Evans.

The three stressed that the quality of the imported top grade willow was most important, and the factory ensures that knots and other defects are completely eradicated from any bat they manufacture.

“We aspire to supply schools, clubs, provincial players and even franchise cricketers,” said Kumm, an experienced club fast bowler.

He added that presentations have been made at a number of “father’s clubs” at schools, and a lot of interest has been shown.

The factory undertakes repairs to all makes of bats. For example, they can fit a new handle – the owner has a choice of various colours – or attach a handle to a new, specially designed bat.

“Recently, a provincial player broke his bat in two,” said Clark-Evans. “We repaired it and he used the bat in the nets and, although it was just glued together, all the batsmen in the nets tried their utmost to break it again, with no luck,” he grinned.

“We are looking at making bats of high quality,” said Wilkie. “We give a one-year guarantee on any new bat, provided it is used for normal use.

“We offer personalised service and our object is to help youngsters in the game to pick out a bat that suits their style of play,” said Clark-Evans.

The factory calls their refurbished bats “Wagtail Second Innings”, with the appropriate sticker affixed.

All three are positive that their repair services and new bat manufacturing will pick up in time for the new cricket season.

“We’ve got the time and the passion to deliver only the best,” said Kumm.

All the batsmen in the nets tried utmost to break it again, with no luck