Billericay have saved the day at Blunts Wall Road.

The inaugural first class match to be held at the ground next Wednesday (June 21), a Natwest Trophy match between the Essex County Board XI and Warwickshire County Cricket Club, will go ahead as planned following inspection of the outfield by Essex.

Billericay CC chairman Jon Batson,was delighted at the decision. 'It has made all our efforts worthwhile' he said, referring to the work that had been undertaken to supplement the land drainage system that on it's own had proved to be incapable of dealing with the record rainfall of April and May.

The club have already laid down plans to undertake work in the winter to ensure that there will be no future threats to playing cricket due to a wet outfield, even with record rainfall, in the future.

So good was the improvement, assisted by one of the less wet weeks since the cricket season began, that Billericay's second XI were able to play their Shepherd Neame League match against Woodford Wells a week ago without any concerns.

The match also proved that the cricket square, laid under the guidance of Harry Brind, was in perfect condition and up to the standard that test players such as Nick Knight of England and Allan Donald of South Africa, who are both expected to play for Warwickshire in the Natwest Trophy, have come to expect.

With this week's weather forecast set fair for the South East the ground will soon be back to normal and ready to receive the 1500 spectators expected to attend on Wednesday.

The ground is capable of holding well in excess of this number and has adequate off the road parking available to cope with many more. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own fold up seating if possible.

The ground's natural amphitheater will provide an ideal setting for the game and marquees will be erected to provide corporate entertainment both for this match and for the Essex County Cricket club benefit game between Essex CCC and Billericay President's XI on Friday June 23.

Ground admission for the Natwest Trophy tie is £8 for adults and £4 for concessions. Tickets are available from the Essex County ground (telephone number 01245 254015).

For Friday's benefit game, admission is £3, and for inexpensive corporate entertainment for both matches, telephone Billericay Cricket Club on 01277 655202.

Programmes for the benefit game and Billericay's fixture against Jim Park's Old England XI on Sunday July 2 are also available from Sport N Wear, Waitrose and Holmes Pearmann estate agents in Billericay High Street.

The Jim Parks Old England XI game promises to be a great day out for the family.

The day commences with a boot sale from 8am to noon, and coaching of Billericay colts by the Old England XI from 11am, with the match from 2pm to 7.30pm on Billericay's South pitch.

On the North pitch, the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower will be holding a fete. A picnic area is available, sponsored by B&Q of Basildon who will be providing the furniture.

All this for an admission price of only £3 and free parking.

If this wasn't enough, there will be live music entertainment in the evening. 'It will be a great day for the whole community' said a club spokesman.

To participate in the boot sale or fete call the club on 01277 655202 for details.

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