MARTINSTOWN Cricket Club are set to return to the nets on Friday, February 22 ahead of their 2019 campaign.

The Villagers hope to build on a successful 2018 season, which saw their first team finish fourth in the Dorset Premier League while the newly promoted second team rise to Division Four.

Sam Kershaw is taking the helm for the first team whilst Matt Rimmer continues as second-team skipper, with Ed Nichols taking the Evening League reins.

Commenting on the season ahead, Kershaw said: “We look forward to building on a core squad of players who excelled last year in the Premier League.

“We are looking to bring in new faces to bolster the squads and continue to expect strong competition from the second team for places in the first team.”

Rimmer continues to blood youngsters from the club’s burgeoning youth setup led by Lee House.

Rimmer looks forward to more youngsters making the step up to Premier League cricket for the first team following the likes of Will Maltby, Nathan McNab and Sean Williams among others.

New and existing players are welcome to nets on Friday, February 22 at 7.30-9pm at the Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester and outdoor nets at Lower Ashton, when weather permits.

Martinstown host Hardington & West Coker CC in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, April 20 at 1pm. Follow the club on twitter @martinstowncc for the latest updates.