A RUBERY cricket club that focuses on introducing the sport to boys with no experience of it is in urgent need of sponsorship. INVESTMENT NEEDED: Steve Rudge (left) wants sponsor to help Joe Robinson, Matthew Thomas, Matthew Kellett and Paul Rudge carry on enjoying cricket.

Callowbrook and Reaside Cricket Club has been coaching boys for three years but needs an injection of cash to buy new equipment.

The club, set up by Stephen Rudge, urgently needs to buy a portable wicket, worth £1500, to ensure he can continue coaching in the summer.

Rudge, who started Callowbrooks Swifts Football Club a decade ago, wants to officially launch the club and start playing competitively in 2006.

The club also needs new bats and other gear.

Rudge said: "A lot of the equipment I have pieced together myself, but it's very old and we really need to replace it.

"The pitch is vital, it's perfect for us, but it costs a lot."

The club is based at Reaside Primary School, but its wicket was dug up to extend the foot pitches.

Rudge, who coached juniors at Barnt Green CC, started tutoring a small number of pupils from Waseley Hills High School in Rubery, but the numbers have increased to near 30 in the summer.

If interesting in sponsoring the club call Rudge on 0121 4539413.