TREASURER Gareth Ackroyd is hoping Marsden can rise from an England Ashes victory after signing up to hold an open day to coincide with this summer’s big Test series.

Nothing quite grips the nation like an Ashes series and with England aiming to keep the urn this summer, the ECB wants everyone to get in on the action. By holding an open day – or several as Marsden are planning – clubs can attract new members, players, spectators and sponsors on Investec Ashes Saturdays or Sundays of their choice.

Ackroyd revealed the clubhouse will be open on each Saturday of the five Ashes Tests, to coincide with action involved at Hemplow.

“It is a chance for people to watch the Ashes and also our own teams in action,” said the 40-year-old, who is also the club’s Under 11s manager and has been associated with Marsden for 30 years.

Marsden will be inviting the local community to enjoy the cricket whilst showcasing facilities, cricket playing opportunities and everything else they have to offer – with guests able to keep an eye on the cricket out in the middle and on the TV.

Each Saturday of the Ashes Tests will see Marsden’s gates open – July 13, July 20, August 3, August 10 and August 24.

Clubs who already have a Sky Sports subscription that host an Open Day will get £140 from the ECB towards their monthly subscription, while those new to Sky will be offered an exclusive subscription offer featuring a six-month break clause.

Ackroyd added: “We want people to support England with us and also to get people through the door, whether that is children interested in taking up cricket, adults returning to the sport or people just wanting a beer and to watch.

“It would be brilliant if people came down and watched a bit of England winning – and I think the Ashes will be ours by three Tests – and also watch us as a club getting some wins.”

Mike Gatting is an Ashes winning captain and, in his role as ECB manager director of cricket partnerships, he knows how crucial these open days can be to clubs.

“This is not just a fantastic way to watch what I am sure will be a fantastic Ashes but also a great way for clubs to cement their places within the community,” Gatting said.

To sign up for an Open Day and for more information visit www.ecb.co.uk/clubopendays