Botham opens impressive new Sandiacre pavilion
by Alan Rowley, 23rd June 2002

Former Somerset and England all-rounder Ian Botham today opened Sandiacre Town Cricket Club's new pavilion. The £400,000 pavilion was completed with the aid of a Sport England grant during the winter.

Botham called in at the club on the way to Trent Bridge where he went on to open the new Fox stand prior to commencing his commentating duties in the England v Sri Lanka one-dayer.

Crowds gather around the pavilion to catch a glimpse of legend Ian Botham

In his opening speech, Botham congratulated the club on their magnificent achievement in the building of the pavilion and went on to say that clubs like Sandiacre need to take the lead in attracting youngsters to the game now that very few schools actively promote the game.

Botham wished Sandiacre good luck in their quest to win the Premier League title, but joked that they might have to shoot Phil Simmons to achieve it. He said: "You could always take him out the night before a big game - Phil never was one to refuse an offer."

	Ian Botham addresses the crowd and (above) cuts the ribbon to officially open the new £400,000 Sandiacre pavilion.

Botham unveiled a plaque which will be erected inside the pavilion, then went on to cut the ribbon which signalled the official opening of the pavilion. The large assembly of supporters and local residents were then invited into the pavilion to test the products on sale at the bar and to enjoy refreshments put on by the club.

The fun continued into the afternoon with a charity cricket match between the Sandiacre first team and a guest XI. Proceeds from the day will be donated to the family of former Sandiacre player Parvez Iqbal, who tragically died early in the year on a visit to his native Pakistan.