BOWLERS and batters will celebrate the launch of a new sports facility by attending its opening ceremony and exhibition fixture on Sunday, May 21.
Shinfield Cricket Club will play a friendly match against the University of Reading team at the Manor Ground, Brookers Hill, the club’s second home in its 132-year history.
The new ground has been developed by the university and Shinfield Parish Council and includes a pavilion which provides changing facilities, a meeting space and kitchen.
Sports clubs and community groups will also use the building for their activities and events.
Club secretary Shashank Garg said: “The new facilities and infrastructure at the new ground will provide opportunities for communities and cricketers to elevate their games and achieve higher goals, such as playing for home counties or bigger counties.
“Last year, almost ten kids who play for us were selected for various Berkshire county development programs, and this number is likely to increase after the new ground becomes an integral part of the club.”
He added that the club will hire the ground out to schools and Berkshire County development programmes to help promote cricket to the wider community.
All residents are welcome to attend the unveiling of the pitches and take a look around, with light refreshments provided and the first 100 ice creams going for free. The bar will be open throughout the day.
Representatives from the university and the parish council will be in attendance as special guests, to observe the occasion.
Shinfield Cricket Club’s history stretches back to 1890 and the club currently has 200 adult and junior members, with numbers growing exponentially in the last eight years.
Mr Garg said: “As a club, we have seen an overwhelming interest in cricket due to the ECB’s initiative to support all forms of cricket, including women’s cricket and T20 leagues around the world. With this new facility, we can play a huge role in supporting potential players.”
The opening ceremony will start at 2pm, with the barbecue beginning at 4pm.
Guests are encouraged to walk to the ground, although a small number of parking spaces can be reserved through the email address below.
For more information, visit: community@reading.ac.uk
