Following Middleton’s decision to call off entertaining Heywood at Towncroft on Saturday, two friendlies arranged for Crimble this weekend have also had to be abandoned.

Heywood’s second team were due to host Bamford Fieldhouse on Saturday, with the first team planning action against Norden on Sunday.

But the ground is still very wet and, with more rain forecast this week, the groundsman has not been able to prepare a wicket.

It continues a tough build-up to the season in the newly-formed Greater Manchester Cricket League, whose inaugural matches are due to get under way a week on Saturday, April 16.

Last Saturday’s NatWest CricketForce day was also hit by the rain and the urgently-needed outdoor painting jobs had to be put on hold.

Therefore, and in view of the friendlies postponements, a ‘Paint Day’ has been arranged for this Saturday, April 9 (from 10am), in the hope that the weather relents and allows the necessary remaining jobs to be undertaken.

The more people who turn up the quicker the painting gets done, so Heywood are again asking for volunteers to descend on Crimble. All necessary equipment will be provided by the Club.

The most important issue is the painting of the sightscreens, but other jobs needing attention include:

+ The white fence in front of the club.

+ White concrete poles on the entrance to the ground.

+ Concrete bench supports surrounding the ground.

+ Staining benches on the patio, and the surrounding fence.

+ Staining fence in front of Fox’s Bank.

+ Perimeter wall (if enough volunteers attend).

These jobs would take the hard-working Ground Committee months to complete, so as many volunteers as possible would make a huge difference.

Towncroft, like many other clubs, has taken a battering during the winter and Heywood have been informed by their neighbours that it will not be fit for the weekend.

Heywood have a double header of friendlies scheduled for Crimble on Saturday and Sunday, firstly with the second team at home to Bamford Fieldhouse and then the first team entertaining Norden the following day.

However, the weather forecast is unpromising and the ground took another significant amount of rain over the weekend, which curtailed much-needed external painting work during Saturday’s NatWest CricketForce day.

The groundsman and the Ground Committee are monitoring conditions on the playing area, which may affect Friday night’s scheduled junior training session, so keep in touch with the website for news of prospects for the weekend.

Volunteers who turned out for CricketForce still helped with some vital maintenance, including:

+ Re-assembling of the covers and bringing in recently purchased additional second-hand covers.

+ Repairs to the artificial nets.

+ Foundations for the assembly of outdoor nets on the playing area.

+ Assembly of seats surrounding the ground.

+ Filling in potholes on the car park.

+Painting in the cellar and changing rooms.

+ Partial painting of the sightscreens.

+ Ladies undertaking vital work in the pavilion lounge and kitchen.

Meanwhile, the Club was well populated on Sunday afternoon when it was opened early for the World Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final.

A good crowd of members was treated to an exciting game, food was provided by the ladies and the venture was deemed a big success – despite the result of the final!