Cricket Twyford House to try out floodlit matches this month
TWYFORD House Under-11s are preparing to take part in what could well be an historic series of floodlit matches.
The Bristol club have booked the artificial pitch at the Gloucestershire Football Association’s Almondsbury headquarters for three successive Fridays. It is thought these will be the first junior games of cricket to be played under lights in the county and possibly even the country.
If the matches prove to be a success, it is hoped that further fixtures can be arranged to ensure more cricket for enthusiast youngsters.
Twyford’s first head-to-head is against Stoke Bishop on October 9, before they face Knowle on October 16 and then Bradley Stoke on October 23. All the games are scheduled to start at around 6pm.
The idea of floodlit cricket for the youngsters is the brainchild of John Harvey, who manages Twyford under-13s.
He said: “I was watching a game of football at Almondsbury and just had the thought ‘we could play junior cricket down here quite easily!’ There’s enough room for under-11s with the fence acting as the boundary while the lights are excellent.
“There’s hardly been any cricket this summer because of the pandemic but our lads are very keen and we think it’s worth trying the idea to see how it all goes.
“If it works ok, we could be looking at more friendly matches or even a league. I think it’s important we try to keep as many youngsters interested in cricket as we can, and this might be a great way to do it.”
John has received plenty of backing for the venture. Blair King of Twyford House has covered the cost of the ground hire, Henbury Leisure Centre are loaning a rollout mat which will act as the pitch for the matches, while trophies have been donated by D&D Shoe Repairs, of Chipping Sodbury.
Roger Hudd, of Roman Glass FC, has paid for pink match balls, while John has also sourced flashing bails for the games.
He added: “We’re now just hoping it doesn’t pour down!”
Spectators will be asked to make a donation at the gate with proceeds being divided between the participating sides and a charitable cause. Any clubs interested in taking part in junior floodlit cricket can contact John on 07906 598773.
Thornbury suffered a ninewicket defeat against Dumbleton in the final of Gloucestershire’s Marsh Commercial Under-16 T20 at Rockhampton.
Ani Sanat (36) top-scored as Thornbury struggled to reach 77 all out ahead of Dumbleton, who the previous week clinched the U19 T20 title, easing to victory in the 15th over.