Young cricketers raising £10,000 for new school facility named after Hartlepool's world renowned umpire Michael Gough

A high standard newly-laid artificial wicket has been created at High Tunstall College of Science as part of its recent rebuild.

It has been named the Michael Gough Junior Cricket Ground (MGCG) after the former Hartlepool, Durham and England cricketer and who is now regarded as one of the best umpires in the world.

High Tunstall and its governors have allowed the Junior Section of Hartlepool Cricket Club, based a cricket ball’s throw away at Park Drive, to use the new wicket to train and play.

The juniors have launched a March 10 Grand Challenge to try to raise £10,000 this month to equip it.

Junior section chair David Thompson said: “A number of our current juniors attend High Tunstall and senior players also went there, so in many ways it’s a perfect fit for the cricket club and the school to work in partnership.

"Over the last few years the number of children wanting to play cricket at Hartlepool Cricket Club has taken off.

"This additional facility will give us greater opportunities to deliver cricket to the children that want to play.”

They hope to buy a sight screen, batting cage, seating and storage unit with the money they raise.

Supporters are being encouraged to donate to a crowdfunding page and members to get sponsorship to try to reach the £10,000 goal.

David added: “To reach this target would be a fantastic achievement, thereby benefiting our junior players, plus pupils who attend High Tunstall and other children who may visit the MGCG too, such as pupils from other schools, or other cricket clubs.”

The cricket club’s junior section aims to let children enjoy the sport, help develop their skills and to support them to progress from junior to senior level.

It has over 120 boys and girls from reception school age to under 17.

The club hopes to purchase some of the new equipment from Lorimers, who supply the cricket club’s clothing, and who have sponsored the Michael Gough ground at High Tunstall.

So far, the juniors have raised just over £600. Anyone who wants to help can donate via the Shop Section at the website hartlepoolcricketclub.com

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