Cricketers are getting ready IN

IT HAS been a long cold winter and a long time since there has been any cricket to watch at The Grange However, Ticknall Cricket Club did not go into hibernation, writes David Fox.

After many years of dedication John Dumelow retired as chairman and Paul Bunyan has taken over the helm. The new extended patio area in front of the pavilion has been built and is expected to be fully operative by the start of the cricket season.

The ground and pitches – two have been added – have been worked on throughout the winter and it is fully expected that the usual very high standard for which Ticknall is renowned will be achieved.

On the playing side the club welcomes a number of new players whilst one or two others have left The three senior teams maintained their respective league statuses last season

The first team will be captained by Paul Borrington and it is hoped that they will be challenging towards the top of the table The second and third teams are also looking for success in their leagues but player availability and consistency of selection will be a major key for that success

The club will maintain a full set of junior sides as usual and the popular development team. For the first time the club will be running a girls’ U12 team in conjunction with Dunstall Cricket Club and entering the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation League.

All in all, a very active winter and the long wait for the season is nearly over It all begins on April 22 The first team has a difficult start, firstly at home to Sandiacre, followed by a long trip to Eckington and then home again against last year ’s champions, local rivals Swarkestone

It could be an early indication of how the season might go but something to look forward to All we ask for is the weather and a good dry summer

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club is looking to make the 2023 season the biggest ever with five senior teams, a ladies softball team and five junior sides all raring to go when Summer training starts on Tuesday, April 18.

The club has a brand new chairman; local man Nigel Theobald has taken over the reigns and, with a new fundraising committee in place, there are many exciting events already in the calendar such as a Summer event, the club’s first ever ladies softball festival and ex-players day to name just a few.

On the playing front the first team will be looking to start 2023 positively after staving off relegation on the final day of last season and, with a raft of new signings, will hope to be pushing for promotion

The second team will be playing at their highest standard ever as they begin their 6 South campaign and the third team will aim for promotion from 10 South after last season’s relegation

The club will once again be running All-stars for 5-8 year olds on a Saturday morning as well as teams at U9, U11 and U13

Anyone interested in any of the above is asked to get in touch with Alex Slater on 07966933583 for more information or volunteering please contact the club via the website, instagram or facebook pages Melbourne has also seen the growth of the girls’ section in recent seasons as part of the All MAC program (Melbourne Ashby and Coalville collaboration) to provide playing opportunities for all girls and ladies no matter age or experience

This has been recognised by the NLD RFU as a fantastic programme and example of working together to achieve great things for the game The club is continually looking to grow and develop the ladies/girls side of the game to, so if this interests you, again, the club asks if you will please get in touch