New cricket nets opened at Central Park.

After a year and a half of lock down, Ardleigh Green and Havering-atte-Bower cricket club have finally managed to officially open their new netting facilities.

The nets based at Central Park in Harold Hill, home ground to the club, were officially opened by Kevin Auchoybur and former Essex and England player Ronnie Irani.

It has taken the club many years to gain access to planning and finances needed to build these facilities, but they have been a huge asset to the club’s improvement at all levels. The new nets are being used almost seven days a week.

Coach Paul, told the Havering Daily:

“Following the ribbon cutting, we then went to Brian Clay pavilion at Havering-atte-Bower for a memorial game. Before the game started we had a plaque unveiling for our former club Chairman and President Barry Dent who was a huge part of our club and its development.

“After the plaque we had the pleasure of giving out the first Bill Taylor wicket keeping bursary which has been put together by Bill’s family in memory of his time at the club and his love for wicket keeping. This year’s winner was Thomas Purnell in our Junior section.”

Paul Hurworth finished by saying:

“It was a great day all round, finally getting the nets opened by R & D and then a great game with plenty of old and new faces sharing lots of stories. Looking forward to the new season ahead next year!”.