Howzat - scorebox takes Dorchester ground to county level

By dadcock

COUNTY cricket could return to Dorchester following the official opening of a scorebox at the town's Weymouth Avenue ground.

The scorebox - named in memory of Dorchester Cricket Club president Doug Read, who died last year - brings facilities at the ground up to the standard needed for minor counties matches.

The club's project manager Pete Tucker said: "Dorset County Cricket Club was among the organisations that made grants.

"It's not confirmed yet but if everything goes well they will be staging a one-day match here in Dorchester next season.

"And if we get the game and can generate the interest they might be willing to come back for a three-day match.

"That really would be something for the town."

He said the county club, which is based at Dean Court in Bournemouth, has not played matches in Dorchester for many years.

He added: "If it came back to the county town it would be good for Dorchester - it would boost the economy.

"Numbers were good in the past."

Mr Tucker said the scorebox had taken seven years to achieve.

He, Mr Read and John Sibley had to get planning permission and raise funds for the £25,000-plus project.

The building has to have security measures including graffiti-proof boards and roll-down metal shutters.

It is being officially opened this evening (Friday) by Doug's widow Judith who will be accompanied by their sons Adam and Gordon.

The evening continues with a barbecue and an inaugural match for the annual Doug Read Trophy between a club side and a Dorchester Evening League Select XI in Twenty20 format.

Mr Tucker said: "Doug was a remarkable man. He did so much for sport and the community.

"It will be an emotional moment for us. I'm sure he'll be looking down and thinking 'I like that, Tommy' - that's what he always called me.

"The scorebox will be for the whole community, not just for Dorchester Cricket Club."

He described the scorebox as the final piece in the cricket project following other major improvements including a new wicket and nets - though his dream was to create an indoor facility in the town.

Among those able to use the scorebox will be Dorset Disabled Cricket Club, which has now made the ground its home.

The scheme has drawn grants from organisations including main sponsor the Hearn Group, Dorchester Town Council, the Duchy of Cornwall which owns the land, and West Dorset District Council, which gave £4,000 from its Leisure Development Fund.

The club also carried out fundraising including a comedy night that raised £2,000.

West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould welcomed the new facility.

He said: This will be a fantastic asset for the cricket club and the local community.

"The ground is used by a variety of people including scouts, girl guides, youth groups, churches and schools."

Dee Adcock

deeadcock@bvmedia.co.uk