Uttoxeter Cricket Club has installed a new digital scoreboard at its ground ready for when the sport returns.
The Derbyshire Premier and County Cricket League side replaced the former wooden, manually-worked equipment with their new purchase this week in a move that members hope will ‘modernise’ the club.
James Burton of Uttoxeter Cricket Club told Sport in Staffs: “The scoreboard is enhancement on the previous wooden manual one that was in new of repair. Moving to an electronic scoreboard is a further step in modernising the club and enhancing our facilities.
“It was purchased in readiness for the 2020 season in March. We are obviously disappointed that we can’t use it yet and hope some cricket is played this season.”
The regular cricket season has been suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic and, like all sports teams, the outbreak has impacted Uttoxeter CC.
However this hasn’t stopped the club pruning and prepping the field for if-and-when the 2020 campaign starts.
James continued: “The coronavirus has meant the club has been closed. We have kept our social media accounts busy to try and keep cricket in the forefront of people’s minds.
“Our team of volunteer grounds men have carried out some work on the ground and have abided by social distancing rules at all times.”
The club thanked members Dave Whitehead, Stan Maxwell and Tony Hayes for volunteering to install the scoreboard and for all the work they had done on the ground during lockdown.
Last week, the ECB stated that cricket clubs were allowed to re-open nets and pitches once again, provided social distancing rules were met and the rules and regulations it set out were adhered to.
On Monday, Uttoxeter said it was “in a position to offer training slots for members.”
James added: “Our training net is open again and bookings are available to our members. This is managed via our club WhatsApp groups.”
Photos courtesy of Uttoxeter Cricket Club
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