With a short break in his hectic umpiring commitments, Michael Gough Junior, (the ICC Umpire and former professional cricketer), supported by his Dad, Michael Senior, today paid a visit to High Tunstall College of Science to see the cricket ground that now proudly bears his name.

In what was a very proud afternoon for Hartlepool Cricket Club and the Junior Section, David JB Thompson, the current Chair of the Junior Section, reflected : “In March, 2021 the Junior Section undertook its “March 10 Grand Challenge” to raise monies to buy cricket equipment for use at High Tunstall’s cricket ground. Owing to the increasing numbers of children playing cricket at Hartlepool Cricket Club, we needed an additional facility to accommodate training and matches. A cricket ball’s throw away from Park Drive, High Tunstall was the perfect fit. They had a brand new artificial wicket. Helping to improve the cricket facilities at our neighbouring school fitted in perfectly with other capital works at High Tunstall, including the new school building and the new football facilities. I’d like to thank all those who kindly donated monies to our fundraiser, plus those who worked so hard behind the scenes. We managed to raise just over £4,000.00 in four weeks. This is a great example of community partnership working between the Cricket Club and High Tunstall. I’d like to especially thank the Governors, Mark Tilling, (Head Teacher), and Ben Holden, (Sport Science Faculty Leader), for sharing our sporting vision. As part of this, High Tunstall also have use of Park Drive to stage matches and to train in our cricket nets. The Junior Section was delighted the Governing Body agreed to our request to name the cricket ground the Michael Gough Junior Cricket Ground. We thought this was a great way of recognising Michael’s cricketing achievements. This will hopefully inspire other children to play cricket and perhaps develop their interest in umpiring too. Given his busy umpiring commitments, we are extremely grateful Michael has been able to visit “his ground”.

In addition to the Chair, those other representatives from the Junior Section who were on hand to show Michael around the cricket facility were : Susanne Wilkinson, (Treasurer); Michael Gough Senior, (President); and Chris Smith, (Director of Coaching).

A number of school children from High Tunstall accompanied Ben Holden, including those who also play cricket at Park Drive. Ben added : “A number of our pupils play cricket, with many playing for Hartlepool Cricket Club. As a school, we actively promote cricket throughout the different year groups. To have Micheal Gough visit our school is a very proud moment! Our pupils were very excited to meet Umpire Gough”.

On visiting the “MGCG”, Michael said : “It’s a real honour to have the Junior Section’s second ground named after me. It’s an excellent facility. The ground is located in a natural basin. It gives children from the Cricket Club and High Tunstall access to great facilities. High Tunstall is a first class sporting hub. I understand the plan is to hopefully have a grass wicket laid at some point. I’ve also heard talk about a pavilion too! Having progressed through the ranks at Hartlepool Cricket Club, I fully understand the importance of having a strong junior provision”.

Michael was joined on the visit by a former team mate of his from Durham County, Darren Blenkiron. Darren now runs Lorimers, a sports company based at Bishop Auckland that specialises in cricket equipment. Lorimers have kindly sponsored the “MGCG”. Darren said : “Lorimers were delighted to sponsor this new facility by providing some cricket equipment. I’m really impressed with the set-up. To see a state school actively developing and promoting cricket is really pleasing”.

Chris Smith, Director of Coaching, added : “Having the use of the “MGCG” has been fantastic, providing a base when Park Drive isn’t available. It’s potential is massive. League matches have been played there for some of our Junior sides, with training sessions also held. Whilst the “March 10 Grand Challenge” involved a lot of work, we are already seeing the benefits of that work via this excellent cricket facility. For further information about junior cricket at Hartlepool Cricket Club, (including the possible future development of the “MGCG”), then please contact me on 07790308410”.

In advance of the visit, Alan Jackson, Chair of Hartlepool Cricket Club, reflected on the Junior Section’s fundraising activities to help promote cricket at the Cricket Club : “The purchase of the sight screens and the batting cage definitely add to the cricket ground. The Cricket Club is so fortunate to have over 170 children playing cricket at the Club. The Junior Section is developing year-on-year. Having this extra facility at High Tunstall has enabled us to enter junior teams in three different leagues”.