Monmouth Cricket Club will be without wicketkeeper Dan Head and all-rounder Jordan Charles as they return to the Welsh competitive fold this weekend after a 20-year exile.

Stalwart Head lives in Cheltenham and some of the trips down the M4 will be too far from his home.

And Charles has moved to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea after landing his dream job as a diving instructor.

Paul Swingwood's side will be praying for dry weather ahead of Saturday's (5th May) debut at Dinas Powys in the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three.

Perhaps not surprisingly, last Sunday's (29th April) scheduled friendly at Newbridge was washed out by heavy rain.

Vice-chairman Ian Morgan said: "Dan Head has been a dedicated and loyal member of our club for more than 20 years and we will miss him for his enthusiasm, drive and no-nonsense approach.

"I think everyone understands Dan's decision because he lives in Cheltenham and every match would be like an away game for him.

"We will definitely miss him for what he brings on and off the pitch. He's a very useful opening bat and a tidy wicketkeeper and we wish him well at Colwall."

Morgan added: "Jordan will also be a tough act to replace because he is a smashing player, helped with the juniors and organised a lot off the pitch.

"He will be a great success in the Caribbean and we hope he's not missing us too much."

Josh Grey and Jon Despontin are likely to be vying for the first-team wicket- keeper's gloves at Monmouth this summer.

Monmouth welcome back Dan Risk, who has spent the past four months at a cricket academy in New Zealand, and former Penallt batsman Steve Morgan.

Risk was bowling against the likes of big-hitting Kiwi Test batsman Brendon McCullum during the winter and has been chosen as the new first-team vice-captain at Monmouth.

Monmouth Cricket Club, who are sponsored by JD Wetherspoon and Jewel Balti, have re-joined the Welsh set-up after competing in the Worcestershire County League.

With league matches against the likes of Ponthir, Pontymister, Machen and Ebbw Vale this term, Monmouth have cut their mileage on away trips by 50 per cent compared to last season.

Monmouth have, however, been handed a long away trip in the Gwalia Welsh Cup and must travel to Swansea-based Gorseinon in the second round on Sunday 20th May.

Dave Wilding is skippering Monmouth's second team this summer and they host Dinas Powys 2nds in their opening game this Saturday.

The club are looking for new players and, weather permitting, will be holding training nights for seniors throughout the summer on Thursdays at Monmouth Sports Ground. For details on senior training, call Jonathan Roberts on 07773814277.

For details about the first team, call skipper Paul Swingwood on 07526925396 or email [email protected]">[email protected] or, for the the second team, call Dave Wilding on 07970342303 or send him an email to