Having failed to top the North Yorkshire South Durham Premier League last season, for the first time in three years, Richmondshire Cricket Club are determined to bring the championship back to Hurgill Road in 2017.
As an ECB Premier League the NYSD stands just one tier below the County Championship and produces a very high standard of cricket.
Richmondshire are pleased to have retained former Durham and Cumbria captain Gary Pratt to lead the side and have signed West Indian all-rounder Alston Bobb as second professional.
They also hope to field an overseas amateur for the first time with Matthew Jaensch due to join from Australia.
As well as their very successful 1st XI Richmondshire run four other senior sides, the 2nds and 3rds playing in the NYSD and the 4th and 5th in the Darlington & District league, plus a Wensleydale League mid-week side.
The junior section field teams from under 9 to under 17 in NYSD and Hambledon leagues giving opportunities for competitive cricket to over fifty young players every week.
This youth development is paying real dividends with the U15s and U17s dominating their respective age groups last season and with most of the same players available they hope to do so again.
New ventures this season are an NYSD competition for Under 19s with the final to be played at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street and an NYSD Masters T20 for over 40s. These both being areas where the club is strong they will be looking to progress well in both competitions.
Although fixtures do not start till April pre-season nets are already underway.
For seniors every Wednesday 8 till 9.30 at MTL Sports, Gallowfield Trading Estate, Richmond, for U15 juniors also at MTL Sports Fridays 8.15 to 9.30.
Under 11s and Under 13s will start training Friday March 3. The rota for this can be found on the club junior blog here.
New players of all ages and ability are always welcome and with the wide range of teams there is plenty of opportunities to play or watch cricket.
The club is currently looking for sponsors for the Under 15 and Under 17 sides.
Both teams were trophy winners last season and are expected to be successful again this season.
On Saturday 25th March at 7.30pm An Evening with Comedian Lester Crabtree and Speaker ex-cricketer Peter Bowler, £30 per head to include a two course carvery.
For more details on any of the above contact Mike Heseltine at mike.heseltine@richmondshirecc.org.uk
