Council funds hit the sweet spot with Nairn County Cricket Club.

Funding support from The Highland Council’s Nairn Ward Discretionary Budget and the Annie Barron Trust has been welcomed by Nairn County Cricket Club (NCCC).

Financial assistance from the Council and the Trust has enabled the club to install a new artificial grass wicket which can be used for most matches during the season and also for junior games and training mid-week.

The new wicket was recently put to the test on Friday 30 May when Nairn Cricket Club hosted a Junior “Kwik Cricket Festival” at Nairn Links. Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP and Provost of Nairn, Highland Councillor Laurie Fraser visited the festival which had over 50 children - with parents and friends attending to support them on a brilliantly sunny day.

Provost Fraser said: “Nairn Members were delighted to lend their support to Nairn County Cricket Club especially to improve the wicket for junior training. It is very encouraging to see so many young people taking part in the sport and having lots of fun.”

Now in its fifth year, the Kwik Cricket Festival was organised by Kim Neill, Junior Convener for NCCC and Junior Rep in the North of Scotland Cricket Association (NOSCA).  ‘TOPClub’ status was achieved at the beginning of the season which is vital in taking forward youth development activities. 

Kwik Cricket is designed especially to introduce young children (boys and girls) to the game, using a plastic bat and lightweight ball and with very simple rules.  Teams consist of 8 players usually from a squad of about 12.  Players aged 6 – 12 years from Millbank, Rosebank, Cawdor and Auldearn Primaries take part in the festival.  The day-long tournament is the final stage in a 4-week programme of sessions at each school organised and run by Kim Neill.  This year over 300 children had the chance to take part in the coaching sessions at their schools.  The winners were Millbank "A" team and Rosebank "A" team were runners-up.

Brian Stewart, Nairn County Cricket Club said: “On behalf of the Club I would like to extend our thanks to the Nairn Ward Members for supporting our application to install an artificial wicket. The all-weather surface will enable us to continue our junior training programmes and offer opportunities for youngsters to take part in regional competitions.

More information is available on Nairn County Cricket Club at:  http://www.nairncricket.co.uk/

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