A CRICKET club was bowled over when its town council agreed to help fund new practice nets and other equipment. Axbridge Cricket Club asked the council for the grant towards equipment costing nearly £10,000. Councillors will now decide how much cash they

A CRICKET club was bowled over when its town council agreed to help fund new practice nets and other equipment.Axbridge Cricket Club asked the council for the grant towards equipment costing nearly £10,000.Councillors will now decide how much cash they can give towards the nets which would be put up on The Furlong.The club, established in 2004, has been playing its matches in Allerton and practising at the Kings of Wessex Sports Centre in Cheddar. With over 30 members, the club wants somewhere more local and available during the summer holidays to play.The club played 30 games this season and two junior members have been selected for Somerset County Cricket Club trials.Axbridge mayor, Baz Hamblin, said: "I especially like the fact the club is developing a junior side, which is a brilliant way to get the community involved."Club captain Paul Davies said: "It is an important time for cricket, especially with the Ashes being played, and with all the media attention we need to capitalise on it."The club helps to organise community games including the annual mayor's versus rector's match which gets a whole host of cricketers in Axbridge donning their whites. It is also taking part in next year's fun day on The Furlong.Club chairman Phil Saunders said: "Using The Furlong will promote the club and get more people involved. We hope we will be able to attract younger players during the school holidays and cricket is a great way to improve general sporting skills.