Cricketing youngsters enjoy winter training

EIGHT youth players from Monmouth Cricket Club have been enjoying winter training with Gwent Young Cricketers.

John McCoy, Ethan Gale, Cameron Pardington, Ben Pilot, Josh Lewis, Sam Swingwood and Harry Hughes have been learning from the county's coaches.

Existing Gwent youth player Ben Davies is now bowling left-arm spin and has been very impressive at the training sessions.

Monmouth put the young players forward for the county coaching and are delighted with the feedback from the Gwent youth coaches.

The club's own indoor training for their junior sides begins tomorrow (Thursday 7th February) at Monmouth School's sports complex from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Monmouth are hoping to have a team of around 12 qualified coaches this summer, with retired Cardiff High School teacher Phil Henshall set to be the latest addition to the club's growing coaching set-up.

Boys and girls, aged from six to 13 years old, are welcome to come along but must contact youth development officer Jon Despontin in advance on 07966015609 or by emailing [email protected]">[email protected]

Monmouth's senior members started their indoor training this week and the club are appealing for new players.

The club, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon and Ancre Hill Vineyard, will be continuing senior training next Tuesday between 5.30pm and 7pm at Monmouth School.

They want to give promising players a chance to experience first-team cricket and will be competing in the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three this summer.

There will also be chances for new players at second-team level and skipper Dave Wilding has just appointed Rick Parkes as his new deputy.

For more details about senior cricket, call Paul Swingwood on 07526925396 or email [email protected]">[email protected]