The club has bought and assembled a new 24ft mobile practice net.

The new net can be moved onto the square in no time to create the perfect match-ready practice area for both adults and juniors.

At a cost of £899 (reduced from £1500), the ‘Fortress’ net from Net World Sports is a fantastic investment for the Club, giving us a much needed practice facility.

The fully galvanised 42mm steel tube structure protects against rust and corrosion and offers immense stability. It is 24ft (7.3m) long x 10ft (3m) wide x 10ft (3m) high. It is mounted onto 6 heavy duty wheels that make it possible for two people to easily manoeuvre into position (we have tried and done this!).

As you can see from the photos it took a little bit of creativity to get the net over the frame including the use of a broom, two rakes and a ride-on lawnmower but we got there in the end! (Just before the heavens opened).

Thanks to those who helped assemble the net: Jagger Finch, Ollie Finch, Stuart Lancaster, Alex Hutton, James Iles, Alan Hart, Chris Drakeley (and Tinga the beagle). If it falls apart we know who to blame!

And so it begins…

Jag and Stu realise the rakes might not have been a good idea – #toldyouso

Trying to free the rake that tried to free the rake

Chris trying to take photos of Jag and Stu’s rake disaster whilst holding the net

All hands on deck getting the net over the frame

Ollie shows us his sweeping technique

Even Jilo needed some help reaching the net – in the form of the triple-cutter seat

The new net in position on the square, just in time for the rain