Young cricketers in a rural Chester community are taking the chance to improve their skills with the support of Sanctuary Housing.

Talented cricketers under the age of 15 at Tattenhall Cricket Club are testing their batting skills by using a bowling machine similar to that used by their Ashes heroes during the summer.

The state-of-the art equipment has been part-funded thanks to a £1,000 donation from Sanctuary Group’s Chester Community Chest fund, which supports projects which benefits Sanctuary residents and their communities.

Young players, Hugh Hudson, aged 11, Tom Beesley, aged 12, Charlie Williams, aged 11, Ethan Evans, aged 11, Toby Honeysett, aged 10, and Zac Hanmer, aged 12, with Tattenhall Cricket Club youth cricket coordinator Chris McEwan and the bowling machine donated by Sanctuary

Sanctuary Housing residents from nearby villages in Malpas and Kelsall, who do not have access to the same level of facilities to hone their skills, have also been practising with the bowling machine at the nets in Tattenhall.

Chair of Sanctuary’s Scrutiny Panel in Chester, Mike Reece, said: “It is fantastic that our young residents are making the most of this outstanding opportunity and superb that we can offer this level of support for grass roots cricket in the area. You only have to see the young players to see how these cutting-edge training techniques are stretching their batting capabilities and enhancing their confidence.”

Youth cricket coordinator at Tattenhall Cricket Club, Chris McEwan ,who is an England and Wales Cricket Board Level 2 qualified coach, added: “The cricket bowling machine has made a huge difference to the young players here. They can now polish their technique by facing the same length ball or a variation on that length, time and time again, which has really helped to build their confidence. The club is extremely grateful for this generous donation from Sanctuary which is benefitting youth cricket at Tattenhall and the surrounding villages.”

Chris McEwan directs the bowling machine in the nets

The Chester Community Chest offers up to £1,000 to groups, across Lache, Blacon North, Blacon South, City area, Plas Newton, Upton, Newton, Kingsway and Hoole and the Rural areas, who need a financial helping hand to deliver activities and projects within their communities.

For more information about Chester Community Chest, call 01905 335441 or 01244 305573 or email chestercommunity.chestfund@sanctuary-housing.co.uk

On Sunday, Tattenhall Cricket Club is having a fun day which is free to attend and open to anyone from 2pm to early evening, where there will be the chance to face the bowling machine. There will also be Kwik Cricket, a BBQ and cake stalls available at Tattenhall Cricket Ground.