At a time of year when we are bombarded with football, it is easy to forget all of the other sports that continue with equal enthusiasm and involvement, but are forced into the back seat through the winter months.

It is easy to forget that through the winter, Ross Cricket Club does not cease to exist the moment the last ball of the season is bowled. The winter starts with the clearing up, dismantling of ground equipment, fencing off, locking up and movement of machinery to the safety of dry store away from the possibilities of flood or other damage.

Whilst the country was in the grip of ‘Brexit’, Ross Cricket Club was going through it’s own restructuring and ‘Crexit’, with the decision to withdraw from the Worcester League and return to the ‘Marches League’, a decision made by an almost unanimous vote by the players at the end of the season. It was felt that cricket a little closer to home and in a slightly shorter format would be good for the club and hopefully encourage more participation in cricket, in Ross.

Through the winter, Ross CC committee has discussed how best to bring about a better experience for cricketers in and around the town, and mould the club to be able to deliver what the players desire.

Cricket worldwide has seen a decline in the number of young participants, and as a game, clubs need to deliver a more exciting and attractive experience for all those already involved, and attract new participants to the game.

The England Cricket Board have introduced a new scheme to encourage five to eight year olds to come along and play cricket; the All Stars Cricket programme, a nationwide programme that is designed to inspire children to take up cricket and provide a great first experience of the game.

Putting fun right at the centre of this experience, All Stars Cricket aims to instil children with a lifelong love of the sport.

Ross CC is at the centre of this initiative locally, and they are determined to deliver a great cricket experience at all levels. The season is already under way, with winter net practice starting at John Kyrle High School on Wednesday February 8th at 7pm.

Players past, present and future are all welcome, so why not come along and get prepared for the season ahead. Look out for the next instalment of this insight into Ross Cricket Club, celebrating 180 years of cricket in Ross.