Yardy returns to Battle CC

Yardy travelled back to the club where he played his youth cricket alongside Sussex team-mates Luke Wells, Lewis Hatchett and Amjad Khan as part of the nationwide scheme which helps cricket clubs get their grounds and pavilions ready for the upcoming season.

Swirling snow and biting winds failed to put Yardy and his pals off as they showed some nice touches with their paintbrushes alongside volunteers from the club.

The club members, family and friends aged 7-70 achieved plenty before the proverbial stumps were drawn, with damaged panels fixed, storage sheds weather-proofed and the pavilion paint job completed.

Fences and fenceposts were repaired, while on the pitch, under-growth clearance around the boundaries was also tasked, and the outfield was mown for the first time this year.

Bacon rolls and a plentiful supply of hot drinks was the order of the day this time, however, enabling Yardy and his Sussex team-mates’ limbs to keep moving as the day progressed.

Astoundingly, the East Sussex Cricket League club is moving into its 275th recorded season, and with the maintenance work now complete, Battle CC will switch its focus to on-the-field cricketing matters. Their first game of 2013 at their George Meadow home is against Tenterden on Saturday April 27.