WITH last season a sunny memory, Royston Cricket Club are looking ahead to the coming term with optimism. With the blow of relegation dealt to both the first and second teams, the club has begun a transitional period at their new home in Therfield. It is

WITH last season a sunny memory, Royston Cricket Club are looking ahead to the coming term with optimism.

With the blow of relegation dealt to both the first and second teams, the club has begun a transitional period at their new home in Therfield.

It is not all gloom and doom though, the under-11 and under-13 sides were crowned champions of their respective leagues and the club is in the process of obtaining the Clubmark accreditation, a nationally recognised award that shows prospective members and parents that they are part of a well-organised, professional club that takes the safety and well-being of all players as top priority.

Craig Holson is taking on the first team captaincy following Adam Newman's departure. Newman is moving to Camden to join former team mate Nigel Gadsby in pursuit of Premier League Cricket and the club wishes him well for the future.

Last season saw an encouraging number of young players living in the town force their way into both the first and second teams, many of who worked their way through the colts system.

Russell Bacon, Colts team manager said: "For too long the youth of Royston have had to go to the villages to play cricket. The opportunity now exists to play for your own town and to progress through the ranks to the senior side."

The club is promoting this injection of fresh talent and is actively looking to attract locally based players, not least because it makes social events and training more practical.

While the adult teams are looking to attract players, the youth teams have already been training hard for the last seven weeks and will continue through the winter break making use of the new Leisure centre in Royston.

The colts benefit from the largest number of qualified coaches of any team in the area, which has paid off for many players who have had Herts and Cambs County and district trials.

Royston will be running teams at under-11 to under-15 levels for the 2007 season striving to emulate their title winning form of last season.

In looking to invest in the future of the club, Royston are planning to purchase coaching equipment such as a bowling machine, as well as securing sponsorship.

After a happy but hot and dry first season at their new home, extensive work has already been carried out on the Therfield square to ensure that it is in good shape for the new season.

Finally, the club are holding several net sessions to banish any winter cobwebs and to welcome any new players on December 6 and 13 for adults (6-8pm) at Royston Leisure Centre.

Further information can be obtained from Richard Temple on 01763 247880.