Owzat for a party! Revels mark 100yrs of cricket

The revels to mark 100 years of the game being played at Ilkeston’s Rutland Sports Park saw a new balcony officially opened at the cricket pavilion.

Local indie rock sensations Marseille performed on the terrace as picnickers enjoyed the bank holiday weekend sunshine.

The celebrations were held by Ilkeston Rutland Cricket Club thanks to a £1,400 Fast Funding community grant from Erewash Borough Council.

The new balcony has been sponsored by the local Evans Pharmacy chain. Cricket-loving Bill Evans, who runs the chemists, gave a speech – and recalled how his father was a stalwart of the club.

Spectators got to enjoy a centenary T20 match. The cricket club’s Mark Aldred, who organised the celebrations, said: “This ground has a proud history – with Derbyshire county cricket matches being hosted here until 1994.

“Amazingly Ilkeston Rutland Cricket Club itself is twice as old. It was officially formed in 1829 – meaning we are coming up to our double century.”

Community grants use Government funding via what has been known as the Shared Prosperity Fund. Information about the next round of them will soon be appearing on the Erewash Borough Council website.

The council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “The Rutland Sports Park is one of the jewels in the borough’s crown. It is fantastic that the cricket pavilion has a new balcony – and we are thrilled that almost 200 years after Ilkeston Rutland Cricket Club was founded it is continuing to thrive.”