The Minister receives the first ball in the new netsMacknade Cricket club helped The Abbey School with support when they wanted to add indoor Cricket Nets  to there sports hall. Minister for Sport and the Olympics  local MP Hugh Robertson also a vice president of the club faced the first ball bowled by Macknade’s  David Shelly to inaugurate the facility, supported by fellow club colts from both the Abbey School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.

Hugh said “It is a pleasure to see a new cricket facility obtain in a partnership between a local club and the school.” Headteacher Catrin Woodend said “This will improve further the opportunities for sport in school and it is thanks to the support of Macknade.”

Following the official opening Macknade coaches took some of the schools fitness instructors for a first net having never played cricket under the watchful eye of the club’s chairman Scott Davenport whilst other club members showed the nets off to local councillors.