By Paul Smith

WOMEN’S chair Lyn Murphy is hoping Hayes Cricket Club can rise from an England Ashes victory after signing up to hold an open day to coincide with this summer’s big Test series.

Nothing quite grips the nation like an Ashes series and with England aiming to keep the urn this summer, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wants everyone to get in on the action.

By holding an open day clubs can attract new members, players, spectators and sponsors on Investec Ashes Saturdays or Sundays of their choice.

Murphy has revealed Hayes CC will hold their designated club open day on July 21 to coincide with the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s.

Hayes are inviting the Bromley community to Barnet Wood Road to enjoy the cricket while showcasing facilities, cricket-playing opportunities and everything else they have to offer, with guests able to keep an eye on the cricket out in the middle and on the TV.

Clubs who already have a Sky Sports subscription which host an open day will also get £140 from the ECB towards their monthly subscription, while those new to Sky will be offered an exclusive subscription offer featuring a six-month break clause.

And Murphy is hoping the scheme can help Hayes’ productive on-field action carry over away from the square.

“There will be a Women’s Premier League game and a men’s second team game going on while the Ashes will be on the TV,” said 58-year-old Murphy, who has been associated with the club for 37 years.

“July 21 is also our day in aid of breast cancer, so it will tie in with this and hopefully we will attract quite a lot of people.

“Our bar will be open and there will be a barbecue and for people who haven’t yet been to the club it is the ideal opportunity to come and see us.

“We don’t get much passing trade, so if a few people can come down that would be great. We have good facilities and plenty of space.

“Dog walkers are most welcome too.

“It is the ideal opportunity to enjoy some really good cricket as our women’s team are doing really well too.”

Mike Gatting knows how important the Ashes are, captaining England to success Down Under in the 1986/87 Series.

And in his role as ECB manager director of cricket partnerships he knows how crucial their Club Open Day could be to Hayes Kent.

“This is not just a fantastic way to watch what I am sure will be a fantastic Ashes but also a great way for clubs to cement their places within the community,” Gatting said.

“The clubs themselves are important to the community as they keep kids off the street, bring people together and offer families the chance to enjoy sport and be healthy in a safe environment.”

To sign up your club for an open day and for more information on the benefits and support visit ecb.co.uk/clubopendays

A full list of clubs taking part will be put on the ECB website in July.

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