A COLWYN Bay school officially opened an impressive new sporting facility this week.

Rydal Penrhos School have been constructing a new five-bay grass outdoor nets facility over the off-season, and a formal opening took place on Monday, June 10.

Former teacher and Head of Cricket Mike Leach, who retired last summer, returned to cut the ribbon.

He also spent time with Year 7 and 8 hopefuls working on their technique during the first session in the new nets, with James Gilman securing the honour of taking the facility’s first wicket.

The Rydal Dolphins, who are a team comprised of former pupils and people associated with the school, contributed to the cost of the development of an outdoor cricket nets facility, which will be used by aspiring young cricketers looking to improve their game under the direction of dedicated coaching staff.

The donation was made in memory of Brian Lewis, who was a Rydal School pupil from 1953-62 and left a gift in his will for the Dolphins following his passing.

Other notable contributions to the project came from The Percy Heywood Bequest and The W. Stephen Jones Memorial Fund, with a special plaque recognising their generosity unveiled at the start of the eagerly anticipated Dolphins Week against the school’s first XI last year.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “This will be another fantastic element to the sporting programme we provide here at Rydal Penrhos, with our exceptional facilities matched by the incredible commitment of our specialist coaching staff.

“Many thanks also go to Mike Leach for coming along to open the area, and to the Rydal Dolphins for their generous donation.”