Hales and Loddon Cricket Club have started an extensive programme on its outfield,working with the Alliance and Dale Watson, who is the chairman of the Norfolk Groundsmen Association, as well as soon to be ECB pitch advisor for the county.

Club chairman Pete Dye said: “We have come up with a programme which will see work ongoing throughout the season and beyond.

“It’s well documented the problems we have had, and last year’s lack of rain, so this 7K investment, with ECB and Alliance backing, should see the full potential finally realised.”

Dye added: “Richard Lilwall has worked with us, to source the best possible way to get the outfield to a level we all want, and Dale’s work at Hardingham and Wicklewood shows his expertise.

“Our groundsmen Steve Claxton and Matt Lovick have done a great job on the square, which looks in great shape for the coming season.

“We were fortunate to gain a donation which allows us to employ the services of Dale, who will be responsible for carrying out a full programme, which will see him working right through to the end of September, with a continued good working relationship through Richard Lilwall and the Alliance , who has been of great help, in the past year.”