Does cricket heaven exist?

Well apparently it does and it is as close as Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire.

Following a chance internet find of a cricket website I caught glimpse of an advert for a new cricket centre that is due to open in January 2008. Just look at what it boasts:

• A 5 Lane Hall.
• Individually retractable nets - to allow Indoor Games or Group activities to take place along side One to Ones.
• Flooring will be a purpose designed cricket surface with bowlers shock pads.
• Specific net surfaces - in individual lanes to cater for both pace and spin.
• 1000 Lux Lighting.
• Video Cameras - positioned all round the hall to allow analysis of all aspects of both batting and bowling.
• IT Suite – Purpose built for Video Analysis.
• DVD Burning – for each Individual Player (on request).
• 2 Full time ECB Level lll Coaches. Both are ECB Coach Education Course Tutors.
• Conference Centre – Purpose Built with Power Point.
• Sport Shop.
• Fully serviced Café – with several TVs to provide video link up to main hall and/or individual nets.
• Viewing Gallery.
• Changing rooms, toilets and showers.
• Outdoor nets and Training Facilities.
• Ample Parking.
• Fantastic Rural Setting.

How good does that all sound? And whats more for me, it is virtually in my back garden!

It does sound too good to be true and prices were not mentioned at all on the website. Imagine us having a full squad coaching session and retiring to the café to analyse our batting and bowling performances on the big screen. We can even take home a DVD and further analyse our technique in the comfort of our own homes. Even if we only did it once, it would surely be something to get us through this miserable time that is winter.

Maybe we could stay in a local hotel and have an intense pre season training camp? Ok, I am now probably getting carried away.

We can obviously discuss in further detail at the forthcoming AGM.