The £100,000 Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund aims to support teams based in rural communities across the broadband company’s full fibre network, which spans 26 counties.

Hatfield Peverel Cricket Club, formed in 1885, successfully applied to the fund to purchase a new bowling machine. The club fields several men’s and women’s teams and welcomes players of all ages and abilities at their ground on Church Road.

Club Chairman, Frazer Smith, said: “Everyone at the club was delighted when they learned that, thanks to Gigaclear’s Rural Sports Club Fund, we’ve been able to buy a new bowling machine! It’s such a tremendous asset for the club and will help us improve our batting averages. Our coaches are already planning to use it to work on technique, all the way from junior level up to seasoned pro.”