CRICKETERS at a historic club are hoping to be bowled over by support as they battle to reach a landmark anniversary.

Next year members of Enville Cricket Club were planning to celebrate its 200th anniversary but the impact of the coronavirus crisis means the club may not survive.

All play and club events have been suspended during the lockdown and finances have dried up, leaving the club facing a cash crisis and possible closure.

The club began a crown funding appeal and is stepping up fundraising efforts with a massive Covid-50 sponsored 50 mile walk visiting 20 other local clubs.

Trevor Spears, Enville CC chairman, said: “The club is one of the most historic in the country and a hub for the local communities.

“We have with three Saturday teams plus a midweek team and a Sunday league side. We also have a thriving youth set up and our Enville Honeys girl team.

“Our fundraisers work so hard to keep the club afloat and with lockdown still affecting club life we set up the crowd funding site with a very challenging target to ensure we get through this.”

The sponsored walk will be held on Saturday June 20, club members will set off from their home ground at Enville Hall and follow a circular route.

Teams of up to six walkers will visit as many clubs as possible during the marathon trek which will start at around 5am with several players planning to cover the whole distance.

Clubs on the route include Wombourne, Stourbridge, Hagley, Clent and Cookley.

While maintaining social distancing and virus protection measures, walkers will carry a signature cricket bat as a baton which will be passed to fresh participants and the eventn goes on.

Mr Spears added: “We are asking all who has been touched by the club in the past to give something back to a great club so it can continue to support future generations.

“With the club 199 not out we need all the support we can muster to get the club through these uncertain times.”

For more details or to make a donation, visit envillestaffs.play-cricket.com