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Blackwood Town and Machen Cricket Club were two of a dozen clubs who have completed a 38-mile sponsored walk across the valleys.

The ‘testing’ trek across the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys all the way to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff was spread across four days, with all money raised going towards young cricketers.

Blackwood Town raised more than £2,000, while Machen raised more than £1,200, all of which will be put towards kit, equipment, and facilities for the club’s junior sections.

Machen Cricket Club had 15 players, supporters, and children on the final day of the walk yesterday (Sunday March 30), which finished in Sophia Gardens, home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club.

Welcomed by club president Alan Wilkins, the whole group took part in a lap of honour during the interval of Glamorgan’s warm-up match against the students of Cardiff UCCE. 

Jonathan Cross, one of Machen’s junior coordinators, walked all four days while chairman Dai Knox did three. 

“We had awesome support, thanks to everyone who donated and all who took part in the walk,” said Cross.

“We’ll certainly put the money to good use as we try to keep costs down for the families of our young cricketers at Machen.”

Machen are hoping to expand its offerings from last season, when an under-11s side took to the field, as well as the activities of Dynamos and All Stars for children aged five to 11 as part of a national scheme. 

Places are still available for this summer’s Dynamos and All Stars, starting in May, with booking via the England and Wales Cricket Board website.