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This represents a tremendous achievement for the members of this small, friendly club, as just 9 years ago the site was a muddy field used occasionally for horse grazing.
Cricket has only been played there since 2001 – the year Hampshire moved to the Rose Bowl – yet “Albany” now boasts an excellent playing surface, large outfield and pavilion with social facilities and great views across the pitch towards Durley and the Rosebowl itself.
The club has already hosted two midweek finals of Winchester and District cup competitions. Each visiting team awarded scores for playing conditions and amenities, and the league Grounds Committee’s subsequent visit endorsed the markings, and took into account planned improvements.
Livermore, the driving force behind the transformation, seems to spend every spare moment working at “Albany”, breaking off only to encourage club members to lend a hand. The ground has been created by their hard work, and by club fundraising and assistance from sponsors, grant bodies such as National Lottery and Sportsmatch, which matches club funds raised pound for pound.
The latest enhancement entails building further storage space for the equipment needed to prepare the best possible playing surface, while plans for an additional practice net are also at an advanced stage.
Cricket in Waltham has made great strides in recent years, the club attaining Focus Club accreditation for their development of cricket in the community.
A thriving Junior Section, with teams at three age groups and a winter indoor side, is currently holding numerous fund raising events to finance the planned extra net.
The 1st XI, containing many ex-colts nurtured by the club, has won promotion three times in the past decade and competes in County Division 3 of the Hampshire League - the highest level reached so far by the club founded some 236 years ago.
A second Saturday team in the league’s regional divisions, a Sunday friendly side, a midweek side and two winter indoor teams, combine to offer cricket all year round for all ages and abilities.
With the new season eagerly anticipated, practice sessions will be starting early - in January for juniors and February (at the Rose Bowl) for adults.
The club welcomes new members, who will be able to enjoy the best facilities in the county.
For more information, contact any of the club's officers.
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