School opens MCC-funded square

Date released: 1 July 2009

Gloucestershire fast bowler Steve Kirby together with his county coach Stuart Barnes joined MCC Members at the opening of a new £8,500 cricket square at Wellsway School on Friday.

The pitch is officially opened The cricket square, paid for by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation, was officially opened prior to a Wellsway School match against Mornington Peninsular Cricket Club, a touring team from Australia.

Gloucestershire’s Kirby was on hand to answer questions and provide advice to both teams before their game.

Wellsway School initially approached MCC in February 2007 to ask for help to fund a new cricket square; the MCC Foundation subsequently agreed to fully fund the square, which was laid in 2008.

Mike Ashwin, Somerset CCC’s pitch advisor, has provided the school with ongoing advice throughout the process.

MCC's John Stephenson: 'Crucial that youngsters are given cricketing opportunities' John Stephenson, MCC Assistant Secretary, said: "The MCC Foundation is delighted to have helped the playing of cricket at Wellsway School.

"The Foundation exists to support the game around the world and youth cricket in particular, and so it has been pleasing to work with Wellsway on this project.

"We believe it is crucial that youngsters are given cricketing opportunities and Wellsway are doing much to promote state school cricket in the country.

"We look forward to our fixture against the school in a few weeks time."

Wellsway School captain Russell Simmons bowls on the new pitch Andrea Arlidge, Headteacher, Wellsway School, said: "As a specialist sports and science college, cricket is a vital part of life at Wellsway helping us to fulfil our stated aim of a 'Healthy Body, Health Mind and Healthy Environment'.

"Despite the difficulties that cricket faces in state schools due to pressure on time and resources, we are determined to ensure that cricket flourishes at Wellsway.

"We are immensely grateful to the MCC Foundation for helping us by funding this brand new square."

MCC play an annual fixture against Wellsway - one of around 250 schools matches that it plays each year; this season’s fixture will take place on Tuesday 14 July.