PREPARATIONS are well underway for Abergavenny Cricket Club’s 2017 season with six pre-season matches being confirmed as the first team aim to bounce back to the top Division of the South East Wales Cricket League at the first attempt.

Opposition for the Beavers on Saturday April 15 is Herefordshire’s Wormelow CC and the next day the club will play Cheltenham Civil Service CC.

South Wales Premier League teams Ynysygerwn CC and Penarth CC are the visitors on the following weekend, with the final round of friendlies being against Pentyrch CC and Monkswood CC. All of these games will be played at Abergavenny CC.

League fixtures for all three teams have been finalised. The first team begin their campaign with a home match against Cardiff Gymkhana on Saturday, May 6 and then travel to Radyr for their first away match.

The side will be captained by Geraint Leach for another season.

The second team managed to escape relegation last season and they face a tough trip to Chepstow for their first game.

Steve Brown takes over the leadership of the team from Gareth Powell.

The third team begin their campaign on Saturday, April 29 in Division Three of the Marches League against Ledbury Seconds at the Crickhowell cricket ground, with Mark Winstanley skippering the side again.

After a gap of five years the club have entered the Welsh Cup. Aber have been drawn against local rivals Usk in the first round with the tie due to be played on Sunday May 7 at Avenue Road. A number of Sunday friendly fixtures have been arranged with the returning Mike Baillon being appointed Sunday captain.

Indoor training has been running at Ebbw Vale every Tuesday evening (8-10pm) since the middle of January and will continue until March 28.

Any new or old players are encouraged to attend. If anyone wants more information about the club please get in contact either by email - [email protected], Twitter - @AbergavennyCC, or you can speak to First Team Captain/Club Coach Geraint Leach on 07552 756954.