Bomere Heath cricket reaches 50 not out

With support from the local parish council the club has raised £30,000, which will fund the installation of new training nets.

Despite their village status – the club, based near Shrewsbury – have punched above their weight for years.

But as chairman Charlie Wigley confirms, achieving the significant short-term target of improving the net facilities is an impressive feather in their cap.

Wigley said: "To raise the funds for new bespoke nets is great for us. We have been supported by the council but have worked tirelessly to raise those funds.

"We've had club days, sportsmen speaking evenings, comedy nights and annual bike rides.

"So we're in a position where we'll be celebrating again as Marylebone Cricket Club come up from London on July 22 for a special match."

Marylebone – better known as MCC – will descend on Shropshire and celebrate the opening of the new nets.

And for such a showpiece event to fall on the anniversary of the club's 50th year adds to the feel-good factor at the Shrewsbury Road club.

"We set our stall out short-term to achieve getting these nets," the chairman added. "It's something that will impact the club for a long time to come.

"The committee have been tireless in initiating ideas to raise money. Five years ago we had a vision to improve the net facilities and we've achieved that goal."

Wigley, who is in his third and final year as chairman, is proud of the club's current standing, having caught the cricket bug from his father.

The 44-year-old's father, Ron, was Bomere's first century maker and Charlie progressed through the ranks and represented the second and first-team.

Bomere have three men's weekend teams, who all play in the Shropshire County League, with the firsts in the Premier Division, the seconds in Reserve Division Two and the thirds in Sunday Division One.

They currently have around 50 players and also boast two midweek teams and a junior section.

A memorable 50th birthday was celebrated in style as they enjoyed a match against a select village side.

It was followed by a Bomere Legends clash later in the day before a final outing against a Shropshire all-star team rounded proceedings off.

Wigley said: "We tried to engage the village and it was very well received. It was wonderful and the weather was kind – which always helps!

"We probably had around 200 people come and support throughout the day. It was nice to see old faces, guys came from as far afield as Durham and Somerset to celebrate with us."

Bomere have played in the Shropshire County League's Premier Division for a number of seasons.

Despite their current position near the foot of the table, Wigley is satisfied the club is well set for the future.

The chairman added: "We knew it would be tough. The level of the competition has increased, which is good for the county.

"We're finding it tough but, hopefully, once we get that momentum we'll be OK. There are other areas of the club we're looking at, like the new ladies rounders team.

"They came about as a idea from a sponsors day and now they practice every Thursday. It's not about them playing competitively.

"It's about them having fun. Hopefully they're enjoying it and more will become members."