A MARATHON nets session is taking place at Saltaire Cricket Club today to raise money for a sports initiative in the African nation of Rwanda.

Under 13s cricketer Callum Dow and other players from the club will be netting for five hours and six minutes at the ground in Roberts Park.

The time has been chosen as it is exactly a tenth of the length of the longest-ever cricket net, held by Rwandan national cricket captain Eric Dusingizimana, who spent 51 hours at the crease, who has inspired the idea.

Organised by Callum’s father Jamie Dow, the net will raise money for the ‘Cricket Builds Hope’ initiative, aimed at building community cohesion in the country.

He said: “Cricket is playing an important part in bringing community development to Rwanda, especially among young people. As a family, we sponsor a child in Rwanda and Callum is a keen cricketer, so this is a great opportunity to bring these two interests together and raise some money for a great cause.”

The net will begin at midday and finish at 5.06pm.

The net will start at 12 noon and will finish at 5.06pm. Bradford’s Dragon Boat Festival will also be taking place in Roberts Park on Saturday 23rd June.

Simon Hicks, chairman of Saltaire Cricket Club, said:

“Saltaire Cricket Club has always seen cricket as a way of bringing our local community together, so we are delighted to help with this really worthwhile initiative to bring divided communities together in Rwanda”.

“Over five hours is a long time for a cricket net, so we would welcome anyone who wants to come to bat or bowl, even if only for 20 minutes”.