A RURAL cricket club has been given a cash boost to help with the expansion of a female team.

The grant from from Hambleton District Council’s small grant scheme has enabled East Harlsey Cricket Club to buy practice equipment such as bats, balls and helmets for the ladies, as well as finalise plans for a pavilion extension with suitable changing space for females.

“We have been struggling to increase the numbers within the club over the past few years,” said club captain Dave Willey.

“And with a number of female members showing interest and participating in practice sessions we deemed it appropriate to expand into a competitive women’s team.

“Our ongoing aim is to be a family and community based club. We hope to maintain the number of females, interact with other clubs and improve our facilities so we can hold a more inclusive training night which would allow all female, male and junior members to be catered for simultaneously.”