Saundersfoot’s seaside cricketers have been given a financial boost from a firm of local housebuilders, as they look forward to a new season.

Saundersfoot Cricket Club is the latest recipient of Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Community Champions scheme.

The £2,000 cheque was handed over to the Club’s president Roger Stanford, captain Yannic Parker, safeguarding officer Justin Richards, and players Rhys and Taran Richards at the George V Playing Fields in the village where the club plays following their successful application.

The Club reformed in January 1979 – with two veteran members still involved, Roger Stanford as President and Chris Parker as groundsman – and played in the Pembrokeshire Midweek League and Sunday friendlies.

The Club went on to join the Pembrokeshire League in Division 6 and by 1987 the club reached Division 1 and the second team was formed. At present, the first team are in Division 1 and the seconds in Division 4. This year, a ladies team has been entered in the league.

Persimmon Homes West Wales currently has a planning application to bring 72 high-quality zero-carbon ready homes to the seaside village at Sandy Hill, 35% of which will be transferred to a local housing association, and all homes will be powered by green technology such as air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points.

Plans include environmental enhancements in the form of tree and hedgerow retention, an on-site equipped area of play, ecological mitigation measures, and aesthetically positive drainage systems.

Also included in the proposals are a new active travel route, off-street parking for every property, and £144,000 for highway improvements off-site.

The five-star developer donates £48,000 across Wales each year to good causes and much-valued organisations as part of its Community Champions initiative.

Recent local recipients include Haverfordwest-based charity the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes West Wales Sales Director Sharon Bouhali said: “Persimmon have a proud record of supporting grassroots sports clubs in the region and we are delighted to continue that tradition with Saundersfoot Cricket Club.

“We are hopeful of bringing over 70 new homes to the village in the near future, providing homes for local families – not only for Saundersfoot’s current cricketers but also, for the club’s future players – whilst helping to alleviate pressures on the local housing market.

“We wish the club all the best for the rest of the season and hope these funds help them along the way,” he added.

Roger Standford – president of Saundersfoot Cricket Club, remarked: “We’re delighted that our application to be Persimmon’s latest Community Champions winner was successful.

“Saundersfoot is a small village with a dedicated group of players and volunteers so grants like this are essential to maintaining the club and our ability to operate, so we’re grateful to Persimmon for choosing us.

“This way, we can continue to entertain our fans and give young people in the area the chance to play the sport they love, with all the benefits for physical and emotional wellbeing that comes with that,” added Roger.