Howzat! Finsbury Park cricketers bowled over by decision to keep Wray Crescent pitch

Published: 4th March, 2011
by TERRY MESSENGER

A THREAT to force Islington’s dwindling band of cricketers to up stumps and leave the borough has been lifted.

Islington Council this week overturned a decision to suspend the game at the borough’s last remaining cricket pitch.

The move could have turfed Pacific Cricket Club off their pitch at Wray Crescent in Finsbury Park.

Club captain Jon Webley said: “It’s fantastic news. 

“We will be delighted to take to the field once again and look forward to what will hopefully be a successful and enjoyable summer.”

The game was prohibited after the authority was forced to pay ￡680 to compensate a driver whose car was damaged by a ball hit right out of the ground.

But on Tuesday, the cash-strapped council announced a plan to put up netting to limit the risk from mighty sixes.

Australian-born fan of the game and leader of Islington Council, Catherine West, commented: “We’re big supporters of cricket and have made sure it can stay at Wray Crescent, which is greatly loved. 

“Despite the huge pressure we face on budgets because of the Government’s cuts, we’re determined to protect Islington’s last cricket pitch.”

The reprieve follows a campaign by Pacific supported by England international batsman Billy Godleman, who grew up in Islington and played at the ground before his professional career.

Mr. Webley added: “After what seemed like a futile attempt to keep cricket in Islington, all our hard work has paid off.”