Kent Cricket Academy and clubs across county join NatWest CricketForce 2015

Sunday 29th March 2015

Kent took centre stage for this year's NatWest CricketForce as clubs across the county got their grounds ready for the new season.

The national event was launched at Tenterden Cricket Club on Friday with a visit from ex-England captain Mike Gatting and current Kent and England women's skipper Charlotte Edwards.

Kent Cricket and ECB staff turned out in force to help replace a new boundary fence with sponsorship boards as the usual tasks of putting up nets, cleaning sightscreens and running repairs took place at the club.

The club installed a new Durant Sports scoreboard, bar and kitchen facilities, extended their square and outfield for junior cricket and built paths and paving around the ground.

Former Kent skipper, Sky Sports reporter and PCA ambassador Dave Fulton took part in cricket activities on the outfield as England Cricket sponsors Waitrose provided lunch and refreshments for the volunteers.

At an official presentation, the special guests were joined by ECB chief executive Tom Harrison and Rhidian Taylor of sponsors NatWest who presented project manager and club treasurer Ian Price with a plaque and a signed England Cricket bat.

Groundsman Bill Lacey also received a Bowdry from Bowcom to help maintenance of the club's excellent square.

More than 80 clubs across Kent have held events over the last few weeks before the new season starts next month including Canterbury Cricket Club, which received support from Kent Cricket Academy scholars.

NatWest CricketForce is a national initiative that involved more than 2,000 clubs in 2015 and is supported by building materials retailer Jewson, who offer clubs who open an account via the ECB a £50 credit with an additional £350 to spend in store.