With such awful weather around it is good to look forward to the summer and Sidmouth Cricket Club begin their preparations for the new cricket season on Sunday, February 22.

With such awful weather around it is good to look forward to the summer and Sidmouth Cricket Club begin their preparations for the new cricket season on Sunday, February 22. They hold the first of their regular indoor net sessions at St John's School, Sidmouth, from 5pm to 7pm every Sunday until mid April. From Sunday, March 1, there will also be regular Colts' sessions running from 4pm to 5pm.Sidmouth have three XIs playing in the Francis Clark Devon Cricket League. The 1st XI and 2nd XI are the current league champions in their respective Premier Divisions. The 3rd XI play in the 2nd XI A Division, the highest division that they are entitled to play in. The 1st and 2nd XIs play their home games at The Fortfield, Sidmouth, and the 3rd XI play in the delightful surroundings of Bicton College, which is located between Newton Poppleford and East Budleigh.If you are interested in playing for Sidmouth please contact secretary Mike Dibble on 07770 798250 or email mikedibble@beagroup.co.ukIn 2009 the 1st XI will once again be captained by Will Murray, pictured top, with Nick Gingell acting as vice captain. The 2nd XI will once more be captained by Saj Patidar, right, who is recovering well from the dislocated ankle sustained near the end of last season. Sam Richardson is the elected 2nd XI vice captain again. Mike Dibble will skipper the 3rd XI this season with Dave Gibson acting as his vice captain. The club also play a large number of Sunday and midweek games. If you are interested in joining as a social member to spectate, please call David Mason on (01395) 516183. The cost is just �12. To advertise in the 2009 fixture yearbook please call Colin Wright on 07802 786241. It is circulated to all club members and is also available over the bar.