AFTER living a nomadic existence for four years, Tranent Cricket Club has finally got a place in the town which it can call home.

The positivity around the club has been bolstered by the first team’s success at the first Tranent and District Community Sports Club and the news earlier this month that the club’s secretary, Scott Russell, will be one of the baton bearers for this year’s Commonwealth Games.

There was doubt as to whether the club would get to use Meadowmill as its home ground for this year’s cricket season, which starts next Saturday (April 26), after concerns were raised by the East of Scotland Cricket Association about the lack of toilet facilities, with the sports centre closing at 5pm at the weekend.

However, the club has struck up an agreement with the sports centre over the availability of a toilet and had an artificial wicket installed earlier this week, with a grass wicket to follow next month.

Scott told the Courier: “We are getting an artificial pitch on Tuesday. The issue with access to a toilet has been resolved.

“There is [external access to] a toilet at Meadomwill which satisfies the league. We have an agreement with the sports centre to provide us a with a key.

“The grass side of things is a bit delayed because of the weather. With the artificial pitch it allows us to start playing.

“It is wee steps at a time.

“The grass wicket is still under construction. It is an ongoing project. We hope to be in a position to play a game on grass sometime in May.

“It’s quite exciting.” With progress being made on and off the field, at contrasting pace, the club’s next step is to build up the club for the long term.

“Our next challenge is to get somewhere to get changed,” said Scott.

“Our ambitions are for a pavilion, scorers’ facility, and toilet there as well. There is nowhere to shelter from the weather, while it’s a 400m walk to the toilet, which is not ideal.

“Some people’s focus is solely on cricket. Other people’s focus is on facilities and laying down a foundation for a proper club.

“We have been nomads for four years; now we have got a proper home. We just need the stuff to come with it.” Scott, who declared it a very nice surprise and a big honour to be chosen as one of the county’s baton bearers, believes recognition such as the club’s first team picking up the best team gong at TDCSC’s inaugural awards ceremony will only help it grow, with the club entering three teams in the leagues this season.

“It’s such a step forward for cricket in our town,” he said.

“Up until a four years ago there was no interest in cricket. It was primarily football and rugby.

“To give [the award] to cricket was very pleasing. It’s a huge achievement to be awarded it. There were phenomenal achievements by the other nominees.

“We are delighted to have won it. We will use it to our advantage to say we are accessible for people to come along and they will get to play.”