By Paul Smith
Clubhouse manager Nigel Owen is hoping Teddington CC can rise from an England Ashes victory after signing up to hold an open day to coincide with this summer’s big Test series.
The club is throwing open its gates this weekend, and during subsequent Ashes tests, hoping to attract new members, players, spectators and sponsors.
Teddington will be inviting the community to enjoy the cricket while showcasing facilities, cricket-playing opportunities and everything else they have to offer – with guests able to keep an eye on the cricket out in the middle and on the TV.
“Each weekend of the Ashes we will have a match on and also have the cricket on the TV,” said 36-year-old Owen, pictured.
“At the moment, we already have about 280 junior members at the club and four senior teams on a Saturday, but this may attract more people to come down to watch, play or just enjoy some cricket.
“We are always encouraging more people to come down and it is also the 150th anniversary of us being at Bushy Park, where we are very fortunate to play as there are few more scenic places to play your cricket.
Get them in: Neil Owen is hoping for people through the Teddington gates for their Ashes open days SP73039
“Any more people who want to come down and find us are more than welcome to.”
Mike Gatting knows how important the Ashes are, captaining England to success Down Under in the 1986-87 series.
And, in his role as ECB manager director of cricket partnerships, he knows how crucial the open day could be to Teddington.
“This is not just a fantastic way to watch what I am sure will be a fantastic Ashes, but also a great way for clubs to cement their places within the community,” Gatting said.
“The clubs themselves are important to the community as they keep kids off the street, bring people together and offer families the chance to enjoy sport and be healthy in a safe environment.”
The Teddington gates will be open on July 13-14, July 20-21, August 3-4, August 10-11 and August 24-25.
To sign up your club for an Open Day and for more information on the benefits and support visit www.ecb.co.uk/clubopendays. A full list of clubs taking part will be put on the ECB website in July.
James Keightley hit 118 but he could not prevent Teddington being held to a winning draw at home to struggling Stanmore in Division One of the Middlesex County League.
Teddington put on 273-9 off 61 overs on Saturday, with Sam Agarwal contributing 50 and forming a partnership with Keightley that took the hosts from 47-3 to 130-4.
Century maker: James Keightley hit 118 against Stanmore SP73039
In reply, Charles Hopkins took 3-50, and Nicholas Ellsmore and Duncan Wood each took a brace, but Stanmore reached 207-7 when stumps was called.
On Sunday, David Keightley took 3-34 and Ben Duncan hit 76 as Teddington reached the quarter-finals of the Conference Cup with a fine four-wicket win over Hampstead.
They face Brentwood in the next round on July 28, and a trip to Eastcote in the league on Saturday.
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