Newark R&M Cricket Club celebrate opening of new pitch

Howzat for a stroke of luck for a Newark cricket team?

Newark R&M Cricket Club has celebrated the opening of its second pitch at its Kelham Road base after transforming a former pony paddock into a new playing surface, alongside the original pitch.

The new cricket pitch, a £85,000 project, received £40,000 in funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council, as well as an ECB grant of £30,000 and £15,000 from Newark Town Council.

Newark R&M Cricket Club chairman Luc Chignell said: “Cricket has been played at Kelham Road for more than 200 years, but the demands of the game have changed significantly.

“Thanks to this investment in local sport, we can consolidate our cricket provision at one location and recognise our full potential to cater for the requirements of the modern game.”

The new pitch was officially opened on Sunday by Newark and Sherwood District Council chairman, Mr Rob Crowe.

The club’s facilities had previously been split between two sites.

The YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village has been developed at the club’s former site off Elm Avenue for track and field athletics.

Mr Chignell said: “Leaving Elm Avenue was always going to be difficult. Ransome & Marles CC, which merged with Newark CC to join Newark R&M in 2010, enjoyed many happy years of playing at a high standard there and it will be remembered fondly as an important part of local cricket heritage.

“However, the progressive approach to our departure from there has allowed us to lay the foundations for a successful future at Kelham Road.”

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