MARTINSTOWN Cricket Club enjoyed a brilliant youth season with the under-13s and under-11s becoming cup winners, while the introduction of a semi-structured under-9 season ensured the next generation of cricketers experience the game at Ashton.

The club’s youth co-ordinator Lee House said: “We had more than 70 youngsters attend cricket sessions during the course of the season. “We ran five youth sides from under-9s through to under-18s and it was a real pleasure to see so many youngsters learn and enjoy the sport.”

The under-13s tied the Dave Cheffey Cup after an enthralling draw against a very strong Cerne Valley side, and the under-11s defeated Dorchester to retain the Archie Masters Cup.

House added: “The youngsters have worked really hard this year and we encourage the sport to be played in the correct spirit.

“Our youth sides feed our adult sides with the majority of the adult teams containing players from our vibrant youth section, and it’s great to see them performing superbly in the Dorset Funeral Plan League.

“We are strongly dedicated to developing our own players at our fantastic ground. In order to do this, we are fortunate to have a dedicated coaching and management team, and one of the best grounds in the county.

“It’s been a great summer for the club and many thanks to everyone who’s helped, including sponsors. We will of course run indoor sessions this winter and we warmly welcome new players of all ages.”

Martinstown’s annual subscriptions are one of the lowest in the area and the club are offering taster cricket sessions for girls, starting on Sunday, (10am-noon).

For more information, visit martinstown.play-cricket.com