LEDBURY Cricket Club's first match on the club's new ground was declared "out" last weekend, even before a single ball was bowled.

The club say the problem was down to the necessary paperwork for signing off "needing to arrive at the right place, at the right time".

Club spokesman, Matt Ehrlich added: "It didn't quite happen."

This means a 'seconds' game against Abergavenny-Crickhowell, narrowly lost by the home side, had to take place at the club's old base instead, behind the Full Pitcher.

But now the signing off has finally happened, club members are pinching themselves that they have a brand new ground in Orlham Lane, off the Ross Road, and they are anything but despondent about last weekend's last minute hiccup.

In fact, the first senior game on the ground will be this Saturday July 8, when the 1st XI take on Cleobury Mortimer.

Club Chairman, Rob Yeoman said “The new ground is freehold and is in a beautiful setting and is amazingly well equipped with two squares, a three lane net, car parking and a spacious brick built pavilion raised above the playing surface.

"It all looks truly stunning and is well beyond the expectations of the club when this relocation project started. It will provide a worthy and permanent home for cricket in Ledbury and allow the club to develop to cater for all ages and abilities as a true community club.

"The club has worked really constructively with Silverwood, the developer, with the generous support of its previous landlord, Ei Group plc, to bring this relocation to reality. Although we are sad to leave the old ground with all its history, the new ground opens up so many more opportunities to develop and the club members are buzzing with enthusiasm.”

Ledbury Cricket Club intends to have a formal opening some time next year; but in the meantime members will host an open day on Sunday July 16, from 2pm to 5.30pm, "where the new facilities can be viewed".

Mr Yeoman said: "There will be a game in progress and refreshments and food will be available."

The club was asked for details about the nature of paperwork problem, which prevented the signing off last weekend, but no response had been received by the time of going to press.