More than 50 volunteers were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Ross to prepare Ross Cricket Club's grounds and pavilion for the forthcoming season. NatWest CricketForce 2012 kicked off bright and early on Saturday morning (March 31st) at Ross Cricket Club as volunteers got together for the eighth consecutive year to tackle repairs and renovations at their club. Over the weekend 50 volunteers pledged their support which was an enormous boost to morale.

Project co-ordinator and First XI captain, Stuart Mair, said: "Club members have worked incredibly hard this weekend and the difference they've made is there for all to see. The grounds, pavilion and surrounding areas have had a spring makeover and look spectacular. It's been a great way to launch the club's 175th anniversary year."

Jobs undertaken included repairing boundary fencing and planting 450 native saplings from the Woodland Trust to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. These have been used to repair rotten hedgerows and to plant some screening.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs David Ravenscroft, visited the club on Saturday morning to meet club members and to plant a commemorative tree.

The club was also joined by volunteers from the Probation Service who made a significant contribution to the success of the weekend.

David Warwick said: "Good facilities and a fun club environment have a big influence on young players staying involved in cricket. We are very proud of all the young people who turned out to help at the club over the weekend. It's impossible to name everyone individually, but all our volunteers went the extra mile and we are in good shape for the start of the season. Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way; strimming, mowing, painting, cleaning, planting, digging, weeding, putting up sightscreens, fencing, making teas and feeding the workers. It was a hive of activity at The Park and the pavilion and grounds look great."

Ross Cricket Club's junior outdoor training starts on Wednesday, April 11th from 6-8pm. Senior men's outdoor nets start on Thursday, April 12th from 6pm. Ladies outdoor nets start on Friday, April 13th from 6-7.30pm. New members very welcome.

For more details please visit the club's website at rossonwye.play-cricket.com or contact the Secretary on 01989 768708/07866 702205 or email [email protected]">[email protected]