Longparish Cricket Club is calling on members of the public to help its fundraising campaign to replace its aging batting nets.

The club, which was founded over a century ago, is looking to raise £7,500 to replace the nets, which are over 20 years old and “in urgent need of an upgrade.”

The club said that an upgraded net facility will help meet the standard required to support the development of its junior members, as well as maintaining that of its senior teams.

Longparish Cricket Club’s Chairman and Treasurer, Mark Benzing, said that the nets were needed “to support the ambitions of the club.”

He told the Advertiser: “All financial support to help our cricket club is greatly appreciated, whether or not you have any current or previous association with the club.”

Justin Jackman, the club’s junior co-ordinator, said: “Having high class practice facilities is fundamental in developing young cricketers, which is the life blood of our club. An upgraded net facility will provide a safe environment for junior players from Longparish and the wider community.”

The club had applied for grants for the work, but has been unsuccessful, which it attributes partly to the “redirection of funding towards COVID related causes.” It said it was “financially stable,” but not in a position to fund the new nets without additional money being raised.

The fundraising campaign comes after Andover Cricket Club’s campaign to raise funds for a new scoreboard, which raised just under £2,400, in memory of their late president, Lesley Morgan.

Longparish Cricket Club was founded in 1878 and was a founder member of the Hampshire Cricket League. The club fields 3 senior teams in the Hampshire Leagues and Sunday, Midweek and Indoor teams, as well as junior teams across the age groups.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can click here to head to the fundraising page.