IT HAS once again been a highly successful season for Martinstown Cricket Club’s youth section, with more than 80 youth fixtures being played across seven sides.

This was the first time the club had entered two sides at under-11, 13 and 15 age groups and it has been a huge success.

Lee House, youth co-ordinator said: “Over the past few years our youth section has continued to grow year-on-year.

“This year we entered even more teams to try and accommodate all of our players.

“All our teams did fantastically well, but most importantly they had fun, learnt new skills and observed the spirit of cricket.

“Apart from the county cups, where we can only enter one side, we mix our teams to give everyone a chance.”

At under-13 and under-15 levels, the club’s sides made the county cup semi-finals, the only other side in Dorset to manage this was Parley

The under-13 sides finished first and second in the league, and there was strong performances from the under-11 and under-9 sides.

A number of our young players have also played representative cricket for Dorset, and are also making their mark in the club’s adult teams, including the Dorset Premier League team.

The club’s training nights have continued to be a huge success, with nearly 100 youngsters in attendance at some points during the season.

For the first time as well, the club have been involved with ‘Chance to Shine’, a charity that promotes coaches going into schools.

House added: “We are an ambitious club and strive to offer the best possible cricketing experience possible. This winter we will once again be entering sides into the indoor leagues on Portland and there will be a full indoor coaching programme. If we can, we would like to run dedicated girls-only cricket courses, but this depends on interest.”

If you would like to know more about Martinstown, email therealmcc@hotmail.co.uk