New drains solve pitch problems

9:00am Thursday 20th March 2008

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CRICKETERS in Middlewich hope their pitch problems are behind them.

But they face a race against time to have their Haddon Field home ready for the start of the new season next month after experts this week laid drains below the playing surface.

"We are certain it will make a difference," said club chairman Richard Goulding.

"Once the drains were laid and connected you could clearly hear water falling into the inspection chamber so they are doing their job already."

A saturated outfield at the Croxton Lane club left them without a home fixture for almost a month last summer, costing them up to £1,000 for calling off matches.

Work at the ground has cost £4,500.

The Local Network Fund for Children and Young People, which supports small voluntary and community groups to improve opportunities for youngsters, granted cash to pay the bill.

St Mary's RC Primary School and Cledford Junior School wrote in support of the club's application.

"The ground will be available more often for our junior players now," added Goulding.

"At the moment the outfield looks a mess and there is a lot still to do to be ready in time for the first match on April 19."