ABERGAVENNY Cricket Club’s Youth Section have been working hard all winter with their coaches, Geraint Leach, Len Wilcock, Kyle Homes, Steve Bradley and Nick Kinman at Ebbw Vale Indoor school, Abergavenny Leisure Centre and Crickhowell Comprehensive School.

Many of the players have been involved in regional indoor nets with Gwent Young Cricketers and some with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan CCC Batting and Bowling Groups.

All the players are now looking forward to the start of the season and being able to get outside and continue their preparation on grass.

Youth registration night is Friday, April 6, commencing at 6pm at Avenue Road. Youth section practice night will continue on subsequent Fridays from 6-8pm throughout the season. Come along, bring your children and all enjoy a fun evening in safe and pleasant surroundings. The Club caters for all age groups, boys and girls.

The ECB All Stars group for 5-8 year olds is again organised this year and starts on Friday May 18 at the club, commencing at 5:00pm. Parents will need to register their child via the ECB web site which can be found at www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars and search for Abergavenny Cricket Club

The club’s senior players have also been training at Ebbw Vale Indoor School over the past seven weeks in preparation for the pre-season matches in the middle of April at Avenue Road.

After gaining promotion to Division One of the South East Wales Cricket League the First team will be looking to continue last season’s form against Usk CC on the opening day of the season which is on Saturday, April 28.

The Second team will be aiming to bounce back at the first attempt after suffering relegation on the last day of the 2017 season while the Third team have left the Herefordshire Marches League and re-joined the Welsh pyramid, returning to Division Eight of the South East Wales Cricket League.

The club have added to the playing squad with young spinner Ben Davies joining from Monmouth and all-rounder James Watkins arriving from Brynmawr.

The Avenue Road ground will be hosting numerous representative matches throughout the season. The three day Minor Counties Championship match between Wales and Cheshire will begin on Sunday, July 8. Gwent Young Cricketers and Wales boys teams are also playing some home matches at the club.

A club spokesman said, “Our Natwest Cricket Force day will take place Saturday, April 7 starting at 9:30am. It would be great if as many players, members and supporters could come and help get the ground and club ready for the new season. A list of jobs is currently being drawn up so If you’re able to help please let us know.”

The Club welcomes old and new players of all ages and abilities. If any more information is required you can email [email protected], or find them on Facebook @AbergavennyCricketClub, or on Twitter @AbergavennyCC.