YOUNG cricketers ended up on 1,190 not out after taking part in a sponsored walk to mark the opening of a new ground and as a special tribute to a club legend.

Youngsters representing Richmondshire juniors joined their parents, families and friends in walking 3.6 miles from the main Hurgill Road ground to the new one at Gilling West, and raising £1,190 in the process.

At Gilling, they were met by the son, Liam, and sister, Ann, of John Deighton, a stalwart of Richmondshire Cricket Club who passed away from cancer at the age of 60 in 2021.

Ann and Liam officially opened the John Deighton Pavilion to mark the re-opening of the ground at Gilling for the 2022 season.

John, who played for Richmondshire at all levels, looked after the ground at Gilling West before they stopped playing games there in 2016.

Mike White, Chair of the junior section at Richmondshire Cricket Club, said: “Due to rapid growth of the junior section in recent years, we needed to develop a third ground in time for the 2022 season.

“Gilling was the obvious choice given it had been used previously by Richmondshire and thanks to the generosity of the landowner we were granted free use of it provided we took over the maintenance of the ground.

“Everyone worked hard over the winter and early spring to get the ground ready, and this included refurbishing the pavilion.

“When it came to naming the pavilion, it was an easy decision to do it in John’s name given the service he gave to the club during his life as a player and latterly groundsman at Gilling and Richmond School.

“He was without doubt one of the reasons why both our grounds and infrastructure are in such brilliant condition and a joy to play on, so we are delighted to now be back playing at Gilling."

As well as money raised in sponsorship, a raffle also took place after the walk, with prizes including a Lorimers cricket bag, one month’s gym membership to ML Fitness and a family pizza deal voucher for the Station Cafe Bar.

All the money has gone to junior funds.

Mike added: “It was fantastic to see so many people taking part in the sponsored walk. It’s a sign of how popular junior cricket is in Richmondshire and the fantastic support we receive from parents, family and friends.”

Richmondshire Cricket Club is particularly keen to attract more younger and older players to add to its growing women’s team. Anyone who is interested can email mike.white@richmondshirecc.org.uk