JOHN Ryan is delighted with the way things are shaping up at Weymouth Cricket Club this year.

The Redlands outfit has undergone a process of restructuring since last summer and there are already encouraging signs that the work is paying off.

Sixteen players attended the club’s first training session of the year and with many more set to return, the outlook is clearly bright ahead of the new season.

New club chairman Ryan told Echosport: “To get 16 for the first session was a really good turnout.

“There were also a few apologies too from those that could not make it due to work commitments, so overall it’s looking very encouraging.

“Our new first-team captain Kieron Womble was unable to make it due to a holiday but he will be back soon, and I have no doubts he is going to do a great job.

“Kieron and Will McKay are both still in their early 20s and are going to continue to be big players for us.

“The fact they have come up through the system at the club since they were young boys is fantastic and they both have a great appetite for the game.

“We also have some great teenagers coming through like Joe James and Harry Mitchell, and Jack Croker has returned to the club too.

“Jack is a superb leg spinner and it is great to see him getting back into it.

“It is looking like we are going to have good competition for places for the two Saturday teams this year, and that should give us a nice selection headache when it comes to the first team.

“And for those that don’t make it into the 22, we already have quite a few friendlies lined up during the first part of the season on Sundays, as well as a team in this year’s Dorchester & District Evening League, which will be another opportunity to get games.

“We are offering an outlet to play cricket to as many people as we can.

“They can come and train on Thursday evenings and those sessions will run until we can eventually get outdoors.

“We are also looking to extend our training into Sundays too as we get closer to the season.”

The Thursday evening sessions are open to all and take place at the Wey Valley School & Sports Centre from 6-7pm.

Simon Browne and Hugh Lawes took the first one which included a light, physical workout followed by several technical drills.

The club already has three pre-season friendlies arranged at Sparkford (April 19), North Perrott (April 20) and Bryanston School (April 26).

To find out more about Weymouth Cricket Club contact Ryan on 07880207088.

The club is also now on Twitter @weymouthcricket