The Ryedale cricket club that's havin' a ball... (From Gazette & Herald)

The Ryedale cricket club that's havin' a ball...

NAWTON Grange Cricket Club is organising an evening ball to raise funds for its flourishing junior section.

With up to 40 youngsters regularly attending coaching sessions last season, the club wants to purchase new equipment, install new nets and lay down an artificial surface for juniors to practise on.

The ball will take place on Saturday, April 19 (7pm), in a marquee on Gale Lane on the outskirts of Harome village. It will feature live music from The Sound Foundation, a three-course meal, a champagne reception and an auction.

First team captain Stephen Dodsworth, whose side earned promotion to Scarborough Beckett League division B last season, said: "Our junior section is coming on in leaps and bounds. We hope to play some friendly matches this season and the year after enter a league.

"We would like to provide the juniors with some nets as it will be a lot safer for them. And if we can get an artificial surface, they will be able to use it week in, week out."

Stephen, who is organising the event with his girlfriend, Vicky Marr, added: "We're hoping around 200 people will come to the ball and that it will become an annual event."

For more information, contact Stephen on (01439) 770210.

Updated: 09:33 Wednesday, March 12, 2003