Johan de Silva revealed his happiness at seeing the Shepherd’s Cot club come through a competitive application process

Highgate have been selected as the NatWest Cricketforce Showcase club of 2019 for Middlesex.

The Shepherd’s Cot side saw off competition from other local teams after putting in an application last year.

After developing a number of players in 2018, the Middlesex County League Division Two club will now see their facilities be improved before the start of the new campaign.

Johan de Silva, Highgate’s development officer, said: “It is with delight that we’re able to announce our participation as a NatWest Cricketforce County Showcase club of the year for 2019.

“This really is a special achievement as clubs will typically only receive the nod for this every 15 to 20 years, subject to applications.

“The club has been going in the right direction for quite some time now, with significant progress made on women & girls cricket (in partnership with Crouch End CC) as well as with All Stars Cricket.

“We believe 2019 is the right year in which we can mobilise a strong volunteer workforce to produce some lasting changes for the club’s cricket and tennis sections.”

He continued: “Some of the jobs which will take place include repainting the club house, both exterior and interior, adding a paving solution outside the club house to enhance spectator experience, tidying up the ground, sightscreens and associated, and finally a full refurbishment of some existing facilities.

“There will be a large amount of volunteer resource and community resource required to assist with this project, and so Highgate are looking to work with local schools such as St James’ and Coldfall in order to provide some volunteer resource for the day.

“Middlesex CCC will also be supporting the event with some of their staff resource to boost numbers.

“Local businesses will be approached for donations to the project, be this materials, volunteer capacity and so on.

“We look forward to sharing further details on our project in due course, but as a starter are looking for some marquee sponsorship of the event.”

For further information, contact Highgate’s Johan de Silva on 07481622191 or at highgatefixturessecretary@gmail.com.