Old Wimbledonians Cricket Club has gone from strength to strength over the past year – and Evan de Silva insists they’re now preparing for a big celebration to go with it.
On July 5 Old Wimbledonians will be hosting a special Twenty20 competition with two touring teams as part of the ECB Club Open Days initiative.
The tournament will pit an Old Wimbledonians’ team against Old Amplefordians and Emeriti – both clubs of Catholic roots – and deputy chairman De Silva is encouraging everyone to come along.
The club, based in Raynes Park, boast 250 junior players and with the addition of four new coaches are now able to cater for Under-6s and Under-7s.
“It’s been going really well lately, we’ve got some former members back into the club and it’s looking rosy for the future,” Mr De Silva said.
“We had a big event involving all the sports teams associated with the club, such as the rugby and football side, but it would be nice if we could get a big gathering for just the cricket.
“Hopefully people will and come down and be entertained by three very good teams.”
The ECB Club Open Days initiative, supported by Waitrose, is a nationwide programme that aims to help boost grassroots cricket participation by encouraging cricket clubs to open their pavilion doors and welcome guests from their local community for a day of cricket taster sessions and activities.
This summer more than a 1000 cricket clubs will host a Club Open Day nationwide and enjoy a £100 food and drink offer from Waitrose to help deliver their event.
And Former England captain turned ECB Cricket Partnership Ambassador Mike Gatting believes as many people as possible should head down to Old Wimbledonians when their doors are swung open, adamant it will help build a better future for English cricket.
“Club Open Days has proven to be a fantastic way for cricket clubs to capitalise on the nation’s fervour for cricket during the summer,” said Gatting.
“By opening their pavilion doors and showcasing what they have to offer to their local community, clubs will hopefully be able to inspire newcomers to come and join them.
“We want to inspire more players, volunteers and social members to come together and get into cricket.”
For more information about Club Open Days, supported by Waitrose, including a full list of clubs registered, visit ecb.co.uk/clubopendays
