PURTON chairman Matthew Bull has urged people to get involved with the club after making a sticky start to the new WEPL Wiltshire campaign.

With just one win to their name so far, Bull is keen to get more people into the club in a bid to revitalise the Swindon side.

The club are not only looking for new players, following the departure of several first-team players, they also need cover for injuries as players like Sam Collier, who broke his arm playing football.

Purton are also on the look-out for a member of groundstaff in addition to a fundraiser, but Bull says anyone who is interested in helping in any capacity should get in touch.

“It’s been a challenging season so far. At the start of the season, we lost a few players to long-term injuries and a couple of players have left the area,” said Bull.

“Our first-team is struggling and the top end of our second-team is too so there is a lot of pressure at the club.

“There are a lot of cricket clubs out there who are folding, which is a real shame. We could do with a full-time groundsman who can react to the weather, learn to use the machinery and cut a wicket.

“The main thing where we are desperate is someone to help with fundraising because we are looking for sponsors. The cost of running a cricket club is massive.”

Bull insists the club have the ability to compete but thinks it will do no harm to get more people through the doors.

This weekend, Purton play host to Marlborough, with Aaron Lee’s troops currently third from bottom, and Bull thinks it is the perfect chance for people to get a feel for the club.

“When we have everyone fit and available we can match anyone in the league. We had a great result on the opening day against Trowbridge,” he said.

“We want to increase the numbers of volunteers, players and members to help the club move forward.

“People can come and have a chat with me at the ground or any of our committee members.

“It would be great to see people come out to the ground and get involved.”

Those who are interested in joining should email Bull at mbull@purtoncc.co.uk or head down to training at Purton Cricket Field on Wednesday (6.30pm).