In 2024 discussions took place seeking to expand the current scoreboard display at the County Ground. This included DLS PAR, along with some other enhancements. (An upgrade to the scoring console/scoreboard was now not considered necessary, as Chris Hobson has kindly fitted a higher capacity battery in the console).

Additionally, a new double electrical power point, to be fitted in the upper tier of the pavilion, was deemed a priority and would avoid the current practice of using an electrical extension lead. There was also an aspiration to provide a new access point, hard wired to the broadband router; this would link scorers and Frogbox to the internet, and also avoid using Wi-Fi or mobile data communication. It would greatly help to improve transmitted match coverage and also increase resilience between the scorer’s tablet link to play-cricket.

Both schemes were funded as a result of a £3000 donation from Andy Wilson, who’s been a keen supporter at the cricket club for many years. Andy specifically requested the money be allocated to the cost of the scoreboard project and ancillary works.

PROGRESS TO DATE

Detailed discussions between the club representative Kevin Thompson and Jacob Miller from Durant Sports culminated in an agreed scoreboard improvement plan at a total cost of £1995 + VAT. The job has now been booked in on their system and Durant Sports will send a Scoreboard Engineer, Anthony, who will undertake a full review to check and eliminate potential issues before the work commences. The aim is to complete the upgrade prior to the start of the 2025 cricket season.

The power point and hard-wired access to the router works should be completed in the next few days.
SCOREBOARD IMPROVEMENTS

· the topmost two new 3 x digit cut outs either side of the existing "WKTS" will be used for "LAST MAN" (existing category moved up from bottom right) and "LAST WKT" (new category).

· the middle two new 2 x digit cut outs will be used for "OVERS BLD" (existing category "OVERS" moved up from bottom row) on the left-hand side of the hatch, and "OVERS REM" (new category) on the right hand side of the hatch.

· bottom row: add new category "DLS PAR" (3 x digit) to the middle of the bottom row, using the spare place vacated by moving the existing "OVERS". Add new category "RUNS REQ" (3 x digit) to the right-hand side replacing "LAST MAN".