TEN months after being made outcasts by their former club’s football section, members of Sheppey Cricket Club finally have a new place to call home (Jo Hernon writes).

The side who used to be called Sheerness East and had played at the old Halfway Oval since the 1920s, celebrated the official opening of their new ground at Holm Place in Halfway on Saturday.

Unfortunately they could not cap a historic day with a win as Gravesend RFC II won the Kent League 5 (Central) Division One clash by one wicket.

First team player Daryll Philo said: "Despite the result not going our way, it was a terrific game in which to be involved. Surprisingly the pitch did not misbehave much, and that’s borne out by the fact that almost 350 runs were scored on it.

“There was a little bit of variable bounce but, on the whole, the pitch was excellent.

“Credit goes in no small way to our groundsman Andy Weale and the only disappointment, apart from the result, was that Andy was unable to play on the pitch himself.”

Sheppey who have been guests of neighbours Eastchurch since being made homeless back in September, did not expect to have the pitch ready until the start of next season.

However Mr Weale worked hard to bring that date forward so Sheppey could make a fresh start.

Philo continued: “After the game both teams gathered in the bar for a well-deserved pint or three, and the Sheppey Sports & Social Club made us feel most welcome.

“In retrospect, we wish we had moved here many years ago and although the way it happened leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

“That's all history now, though, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with our new landlords.”