EIGHT Ash Green Cricket Club have grounds for celebration after receiving a cash boost to improve their pitch.

The Two Counties Championship and North Essex Cricket League side finished third in a national competition to find the clubs whose ground is in most need of improvement.

Eight Ash Green CC’s outfield suffers from poor drainage but they will now receive help in renovating their pitch, after receiving £250 from the Pitch to Win competition.

They have also been awarded a new kit, along with a tailor-made maintenance plan from the Institute of Groundmanship (IOG).

The Pitch to Win competition was open to under-18s amateur teams from football, rugby league and cricket.

Three winners from each category were selected to win cash to improve their pitch after a visit by the IOG, who carried out inspections and decided on the winners.

Briggs & Stratton UK sales and marketing manager Ian Small said: “Eight Ash Green CC’s application stood out instantly. Community spirit is always something we look for when judging Pitch to Win and it was apparent that winning would make a huge difference to this club.

“It’s great to be able to help a team like Eight Ash Green and I hope the makeover fund and advice from the IOG helps them go from strength to strength in the future.”

For more information about the competition visit www.pitchtowin.org.uk