Over the years, Zenon GRP rooflights by Hambleside Danelaw have been used in an array of interesting and unusual projects, so when the company were asked how the product stood up to potential impact from cricket balls, they were intrigued.

In 2025, Westfield Cricket Club celebrate their 150^th anniversary. With humble beginnings as a cricket club, with the odd game of tennis in the early years, the club diversified in 1932 and became a popular bowls venue.  These days, members of the club can play friendly and league bowls, darts, and have started walking cricket sessions, all while continuing attractive cricket league fixtures for their nine senior and eleven junior teams.

Based on the outskirts of Woking, Westfield Cricket Club were successful in a bid for funding from Surrey County Council (through a scheme called ‘Your Fund Surrey’). There were several areas in need of improvement, but the main focus was on improving the artificial wicket, indoor flooring and the addition of a canopy, which is where Hambleside Danelaw’s Zenon GRP products were considered.

The club required a translucent canopy of a reasonable size, that didn’t interfere with deliveries and ground access, all while providing protection from the sun and shelter from the rain for match spectators. The canopy would also offer added benefit for when the club is hired as a venue for various celebrations/gatherings.

However, as one might expect from a cricket club, the canopy stood a good chance of being hit by the occasional cricket ball. It was therefore imperative the canopy was made from a durable material which could withstand this impact. Other alternative glazing materials were considered, and the club had several discussions with Pro Port Canopies, an established design and installation company for exterior shelters, carports and canopies, based in Staffordshire.  A family run business, Pro Port Canopies has been trading for over 20 years and has achieved a variety of accreditations in that time, including ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 quality management, silver membership of Constructionline, CHAS Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme Accredited, NHBC SAFEMARK Certified and is recognised as a Checkatrade.com preferred partner.

Rob, owner of Pro Port Canopies, said: “We always rise to the challenge of unusual customer requirements, so were very excited when Neil from Westfield Cricket Club contacted us with the canopy request.  Having a long-term supplier relationship with Hambleside Danelaw meant that we knew exactly who would be able to work with us to find the perfect solution.”

Pro Port Canopies consulted with Gary Warrington, Regional Sales Manager for Zenon GRP rooflights, and discussed the options available.  To help Westfield Cricket Club decide whether Hambleside Danelaw’s product was suitable, samples of Zenon Evolution LC1 were provided and the club were also shown video footage of the product under impact testing to show the superior strength when compared with traditionally reinforced rooflight sheeting products.

Neil Cheetham, Honorary Secretary stated: “We hit the sample with a cricket ball and a hammer on several occasions, and it seemed to withstand such treatment!  The final costing of the canopy was more attractive than the polycarbonate roofing too!”

Gary said: “We love unusual and interesting applications for our products, and as a member of a local sports club myself, I am passionate about community facilities.”

The canopy was unveiled at their 150^th anniversary celebration, which was marked with special guest, Woking MP Will Forster who presented awards, cake, and enjoyed games of bowls and cricket.

Hambleside Danelaw would like to wish the club a happy anniversary and hope for another successful 150 years!