A Rotherham cricket club is bowled over with a £1,000 donation towards its new flood defences.

Wath Cricket Club, which has been severely flooded many times, received the funds from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme.

Over the years, heavy rainfall has overwhelmed the club’s neighbouring Brook Dyke, a small tributary of the River Dearne, resulting in the clubhouse and grounds being flooded and requiring extensive repairs.

Robert Barlow, first team captain at Wath Cricket Club, said: “With more than 250 members, we have relied on the amazing support of local businesses and volunteers to help cover our repair costs and rebuild our clubhouse.

“However, as much we appreciate everyone generosity and support, we need a more long-term solution to protect the club’s future. The donation from Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire will go towards our fundraising efforts to install permanent flood defences.

“This is a big boost to the club and the community as we move closer to start of the season when hopefully all ten of our teams will be able to enjoy a summer of cricket.”

Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month to grassroots groups and charities across the region. Richard Hosie, managing director of Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire, said: “Our Community Champions scheme is all about supporting the community where we are building and with, many areas in our region suffered the effects of flooding, we are very happy to support Wath Cricket Club’s fundraising effects.”