Hales' new ground is ready for action

Hales begin the latest chapter in their success story tomorrow when they stage the first Norfolk Alliance match at their new ground.

Steve Rowe's side take on Division One leaders Sprowston and club chairman Pete Dye admitted it would be a proud moment to see months of hard work come to fruition. Volunteers ranging from six-year-olds to people in their 70s have put in more than 400 hours of work to transform mobile modules into changing rooms and Dye said: 'We've had an extremely good relationship with the Alliance. They came out before the start of the season and were very impressed with the work we have done.

'There were some concerns about the outfield, but it has improved and while it's still not quite where we would want it to be, it is coming on. The one thing we haven't had which would have helped is some rain.'

On the field, Hales have recruited an overseas professional for the first time and South African Chris Hlengani - predominantly a left arm spinner - has made an immediate impact with the bat, hitting a century against Beccles last week.

An overseas player was not originally in Hales' plan for this year, but Dye said: 'We lost Graham Squire and David Harmer to injury and along with a couple of others being unavailable, suddenly we were four or five people down from the team which has done so well in recent years.

'From a coaching point of view and to help with the Chance to Shine programme, the decision was made to go down that route and of course he adds extra quality to the side.'

There is a double header of action in the East Anglian Premier League over the bank holiday weekend, with games tomorrow and Monday.

Early leaders Great Witchingham travel to Clacton tomorrow, while there is a derby match between Vauxhall Mallards and Horsford.