9:00am Saturday 20th February 2010
By Sam Morshead
Purton Cricket Club is the oldest in Wiltshire, but its long innings of 189 years is under threat.
The club, which prides itself on a long and outstanding tradition of offering cricket facilities for players of all ages and abilities, is in need of new, younger players to help push them past the double-century barrier.
Since its formation in 1820, Purton has enjoyed almost 200 years of fascinating history.
EH Budd, the first man to hit a ton at the current Lords ground in London, was a notable early member.
Such was the influence of the membership of the era, directors of the Great Western line gave permission for express trains to stop at Purton station to give cricketers easier access to the ground.
Since 1912 the club has owned its own playing space, and the pitch currently ranks eighth best out of 80 tracks across the county.
In recent years however, despite being able to boast a hugely qualified coaching team, the average age of the club has increased.
Dale Bowler, who leads the teaching staff, was awarded his ECB Level 3 coaching qualification by Mike Gatting at the Cardiff Ashes test last year, making him amongst the best qualified coaches in the country.
But whilst the cricketing education on offer at Purton is second to none in the region, the club has reaped very little of its own crop.
Many young batsmen and bowlers have graduated straight from the training pitch to county age-group sides, bypassing the club’s regular first teams.
And now midweek club captain Dave Allen is keen to recruit some new blood and save the historic club.
“We are a victim of our own success in some ways,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on what we can offer people of all abilities who want to play cricket.
“If anyone wants to join they are very welcome.”
In addition to Bowler, Purton has four other qualified coaches and can list an array of past players who have gone on to represent their counties and countries.
And the club’s efforts in cajoling undeveloped talent have been rewarded by the award of Clubmark - a recognition of good practise - by the national governing body.
With the new season fast approaching, Purton finds itself in desperate need of new faces to preserve its distinguished heritage.
If you are interested in joining the ranks contact Dave Allen on 01793875463 or chairman David Woolford on 01793770889.
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