THE record books show that former South East Cornwall MP Robert Hicks was a prolific cricketer with the bat – but whether the scorers will be much troubled by his successor, Sheryll Murray, is quite possibly another matter!

Sheryll, though, sportingly donned pads and gloves at Menheniot at the weekend and, after a quick, coaching session with Menheniot-Looe captain and head coach Danny Lee, was hitting straight drives with ease in no time.

The MP, and local councillor Bernie Ellis, were at the club to officially open new sporting and leisure facilities which will benefit the whole community.

Mrs Murray, who was delighted to hear that the club will soon be starting a girls' team, praised Menheniot-Looe for raising more than £50,000 from the national and local fund-holders to make the project a reality.

Viridor Credits Caradon contributed £20,000; SITA Cornwall Trust also donated £20,000 and Sport England came up with £10,000.

The club also thanked local businesses Bond Timber, Mark Grassam Solicitors and Cornwall Engineering Surveys for their help and donations, as well as members for their fund-raising and practical help.

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