Spring time is finally here and preparations for the new cricket season are well underway at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club.
The 2013 season's opening matches at Withies Lane are sure to be fiercely contested friendly fixtures when local rivals, Frome, visit on Saturday, 20th April, while Purnells are the visitors on Sunday, 21st April. The competitive action gets underway on the first weekend in May, when Street provide the opposition in a First Team fixture at Withies Lane.
Last season's fourth place finish in the Bristol/Somerset Division of the West of England Premier League set a standard that First XI Skipper, Nick Potter, hopes the side will maintain in 2013. With rain washing out more than one-third of the eighteen First Team fixtures, the team finished within thirty points of champions, Minehead. The Skipper believes that youth and team spirit were key elements in the side's performances in a higher division, having been promoted the previous season. He says: "In 2012, a relatively young side more than consolidated their position at a higher level. There is a great spirit in the team and we have great strength in depth in our batting. Competition for places is more apparent now than at any point since I have been Captain, which is a good problem to have."
In 2013, Tom Webb takes charge of the Second XI, while Paul Justin will continue as Captain of the Third Team. Nick Cox and Roger Perkins will lead the Sunday First and Second Teams respectively. Roger Perkins hopes that the mixture of youth and experience will help the Sunday Seconds perform at a higher level following last season's successful promotion campaign. New players of all ages are always welcome at the club. For further information, contact Nick Potter on: 07872 383499 or via: [email protected]">[email protected]
Midsomer Norton Cricket Club's youth teams take to the field for the first time this season at the end of April. For the 2013 season, the club will be fielding sides at Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 levels. Interested players can sign up for the season at one of the club's youth registration nights at the Withies Lane clubhouse either this Thursday, 18th April or Thursday, 25th April from 6 p.m. For details, contact Steve Cox via: [email protected]">[email protected]