CLUB WEEK: Headbutts, sponsorships and torn up turf

The Cricketer rounds up some of the more unusual stories of the past seven days from across the local cricket scene...

Out with a headbutt

Rainhill Cricket Club suspended one of their players after he alleged headbutted an Eccleston Cricket Club bowler during their ill-tempered Lancashire Knockout Cup tie.

The Rainhill batsman was caught out during the fixture against Eccleston, but as he left the field of play, he became embroiled in a confrontation with the bowler.

The Merseyside club have suspended the player indefinitely.

John Williams, chairman of the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition which counts Rainhill as a member, told the Liverpool Echo: "We have been made aware of an incident in the Lancashire knockout fixture between Eccleston and Rainhill on Sunday which resulted in the game being abandoned and a disciplinary report being made on a Rainhill player.

"The matter will now be dealt with in accordance with our disciplinary procedures and we await all the details in a report from the umpires. 

"Meanwhile we can confirm that Rainhill CC has immediately suspended the player indefinitely until the disciplinary hearing."

Michael Vaughan tweets support as yobs rip out training centre turf

Thieves tore out specialist artificial turf from Porthill Park Cricket Club’s training centre which cost £33,000 to build.

The nets in North Staffordshire were set up about a month ago after a the club raised £5,000 by holding fund-raising events, but one of the 20ft by 6ft lanes used by the club’s young cricketers was cut up by the thieves.

News of the theft saw former England captain Michael Vaughan tweet his message of support saying: "This is disgusting...please someone let the club know who's done this."

Chairman Craig Chorlton, who has been involved with the club for 15 years, said: "It is specialist flooring and the part they targeted is used by the young cricketers. I don't know what they will do with it.

"The gates for the nets were locked and I think whoever has done it must have come to have a look before doing it.

"It's very bizarre how they have cut out one section - but for us we need to have the whole thing re-done. There must have been at least two thieves due to the weight.

"It is used to get young cricketers used to hard ball. This type of artificial turf can't be bought in the shops and it is specialist."

While the nets cost around £33,000 a further £4,000 was spent to make them secure.

Folding under pressure

East Anglian Premier League side Vauxhall Mallards have been given the all-clear to continue playing in the competition after the demise of their second team.

League rules stipulate that members must run at least two senior sides, something Mallards can no longer sustain after their A team withdrew from the Norfolk Alliance on Monday because of a lack of players.

The club, who last summer won the very last Carter Cup Final, look to have secured their short-term future but the news cast a shadow over one of the county’s most successful clubs.

"The EAPL committee has overwhelmingly agreed at this stage to allow the remaining players of Vauxhall Mallards to participate at the highest level possible and to fulfil their remaining fixtures to the end of the 2019 season," said a statement issued by the league yesterday. We will issue further information when the management committee meets on June 5."

A Mallards statement said: "As a club we are determined to find ways to rectify this situation and have called an EGM for Wednesday May 29 to discuss ideas and plot the way forward. Having made great progress in terms of grounds and off field structure we are committed to ensuring the future of the club and are investigating a number of avenues.

"The club would like to make it clear that all 1st X1, junior teams, junior training and the All Stars programme will continue as normal and we will be striving to maintain our position in the EAPL. We are actively looking to recruit new players for next season."

A huge sigh of relief.

To Infiniti and beyond

An Isleham Cricket Club player is to be sponsored by web designer's Infiniti Graphics.

Steven Goff, who is also a ladies coach, has spent more than 20 years at the club and has also been a youth coach and committee member while being with the club.

Luke Smith, director of Infiniti Graphics, presented Steven some new kit at Isleham Cricket Ground in Cambridgeshire as part of the sponsorship.

Steven said: "It's great that local companies want to invest into the local community.

"Local sport always battles funding and availability but I believe this partnership can be beneficial to both Infiniti Graphics, Isleham Cricket Club and myself.

"I would like to thank Luke for his investment and time to help."

Luke said: "I am delighted to sponsor local cricket player and friend, Steven, who I know will benefit greatly from a refreshed kit.

"We love being able to help the local community where we can, and a little sponsorship goes a long way for local sports."

Well played, Infiniti Graphics.

A Knight's visit to Market Overton

Market Overton are hoping the visit of England women's captain Heather Knight to the Rutland club will help expand their ladies section.

Knight, who led England to World Cup glory in 2017, participated in some coaching drills at Thistleton Road ground, where more than 200 people attended.

Market Overton chairman Mark Hudson said: "The event was really successful.

"It came about as a kind gesture from SM Cricket UK, who sponsor Heather, as a thank you to the club for not only choosing them as our preferred kit supplier, but also as our players have been loyal to the brand when it comes to purchasing playing equipment.

"SM Cricket UK are also major advocates of promoting the women and girls game.

"We will hopefully use this event as a springboard to further grow our women and girls section at the club."