Lockdown eases at Banbury Cricket Club

Use of the cricket nets to be opened up from this Thursday

Banbury Cricket Club is taking the first step back towards activities with a few facilities at their Ermont Way site reopening from this Thursday.

Following the slight relaxation of lockdown rules the Club have announced they will be accepting bookings for use of their nets.    They will be available initially each Tuesday and Thursday evening between 6 and 8pm and limited to six pairs per session.

The club’s decision comes off the back of advice from central government and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).   The guidelines state:

• You can exercise outdoors on your own, with members of your household or with one other person from outside your household while keeping two metres apart at all times. You must only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless you are exercising exclusively with members of your household.
• Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (unless all participants are members of the same household).
• Only one-to-one coaching is permitted per session.
• Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets.
• Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (e.g. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access (see below) but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc are to remain closed for general use.
• Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them. Where they are open, venues must ensure soap and water is provided.
• No indoor activity at all.
• We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment.
• No saliva or sweat should come into contact with the ball at any time.
• Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.

Those interested in making use of these sessions must book in advance and initially bookings will only be accepted from paid up club members.

The facilities at Ermont Way will include one clean and sanitised cage on one end of the square, one wicket on the square for bowlers or wicketkeepers and one lane of the fixed nets. They will also offer space for throw downs against the M40 fence, as well as an area on the outfield for any individual fielding or fitness drills.

The dressing rooms and pavilion will remain closed throughout, however access will be available to the disabled toilet.

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Published: 24/05/2020 08:00am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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