CHEADLE Cricket Club's junior players have been bowled over – thanks to a £500 donation from Lafarge Cement's Cauldon Works.

The funds were donated to help set up a bowling machine for the nets training area. The money has covered the cost of installing a power cable from the pavilion to the nets – enabling juniors to benefit from the use of the machine in a safe environment. Cheadle junior sides catering for boys and girls, ranging from under-nines to under-17s, as well as four senior teams playing in the North Staffs And South Cheshire and Stone Leagues.

Cheadle's Stephen Plant said: "Having this machine has made a real difference to the benefits the juniors get from their nets sessions – under the watchful eye of our ECB qualified coaches.

"We can already see their batting skills improving. We have had a busy season with many improvements at the club, thanks to our many local sponsors including Lafarge."

Lafarge spokesman Alan Berry added: "Lafarge is delighted to be able to help this well-established local club which offers a range of sports opportunities for juniors."