Howzat? Donation helps club buy new mower

A Leeds cricket club has given its ground the cutting edge after a successful fundraising campaign secured a professional mower previously used at Headingley.

Volunteer-run East Leeds Cricket Club, based off Pontefract Road in Cross Green, has acquired an Allett Regal 36 cylinder mower from Green Acre Garden Machinery near Wakefield.

The machine was previously used by Headingley Cricket Ground’s professional groundskeepers to maintain its pitch.

Local housebuilder Avant Homes contributed £500 towards the fundraising campaign.

The developer is currently delivering its 235-home Greenlock Place development at nearby Skelton Lakes.

Founded in 1900, East Leeds Cricket Club has played at its current ground since the mid-1920s.

Its first team competes in division three of the Bradford Premier League, alongside a second team and Sunday side, Leeds All Stars.

East Leeds Cricket Club's general manager and player James Watling said: “Our club has a proud 126-year history and is an important part of Cross Green’s community with generations of families involved with the club.

“All of us on the committee, and our players, are truly grateful for the generosity shown by all who helped us reach our funding target for the new mower and to Avant Homes for the significant donation made.

“The new mower has a famous heritage having graced the turf at Headingley Cricket Ground. 

“It will enhance the upkeep of our pitch, particularly maintaining the playing surface to a high standard throughout each season, and ensure our club remains at the heart of the community.”

Lynsey Gartland, Avant Homes’ assistant regional sales manager, added: “East Leeds Cricket Club is a wonderful example of a community club providing local people with access to sport and all the health and social benefits that provides.

“We are very pleased to have been able to help the club acquire the new mower which will ensure East Leeds Cricket Club continues providing a great playing experiences for years to come.

“With Greenlock Place only three miles up the road from the club, we would hope that some of the residents moving into our homes might either join as players or go down to enjoy watching a game of cricket.”

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