More than 2,200 local cricket clubs applied for the $1750 grants which support local clubs by providing $1,000 cash and $750 worth of equipment including two shade marquees, 100 water bottles and 50 field markers.

Hillgrove Colts Cricket Club will use this grant to provide a 'Cricket Academy' for players aged 11-14 during September and October 2011 to further develop their skills and encourage them to continue to play cricket.

A wide range of applications were received from suburban and rural, junior and senior clubs, women’s and men’s clubs, and clubs from drought and fire affected areas.

Kerrie Cavanagh, Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager in Armidale congratulated Hillgrove Colts Cricket Club and said the program is one of many ways the Commonwealth Bank is showing its support for Australian communities.

“We are proud that we can support Hillgrove Colts Cricket Club in this way through our Grants for Grassroots Cricket program” Ms Cavanagh said.

“Cricket is an important part of Armidale, and the grant will provide great assistance to ensure local cricketers have the opportunity to continue to play the sport they love,” she said.