Sidmouth CC has launched a terrific initiative aimed at getting more young cricketers to stay involved with the game.

Much has been written this year about concerns at the top end of the sport that too many of the 16 to 24 year old players are lost to the game.

One reason would appear to be that the last year that youth cricket is on offer is for Under-15s as it has always been considered a hindrance to the all-important school exam year to have cricket in the under-16 age group, and so players who may not be able to bridge then gap between being 16 and playing senior cricket, drift away from the sport.

Rob Fowler at Sidmouth had found a way to bridge the gap – he’s setting up friendly matches next season for a team split 50/50 with youngsters and senior players.

Rob says: “It might be one way of keeping youngsters who genuinely want to stay with the sport involved. Yes, the better younger players will indeed go on and get senior cricket, but what about those ‘middle ground’ players that currently have nothing available to them? We feel that if we can field an eleven comprising a good mix between the youngsters not getting regular league cricket and adults it might keep them involved within the game as their levels of play develop.”

Rob and Sidmouth already have had interests from sides like Exmouth, Bradninch and Kentisbeare who all are keen to follow similar ideas and if any teams would like to play the Sidmouth mixed eleven next summer then they are asked to contact Rob Fowler on 07989151755.

Meanwhile, we may be set in dark evenings and soggy weekends, but cricket goes on courtesy of Sidmouth CC. The club have been using local sports halls to stage session for younger cricketers to keep them in tune ready for another season in 2015.

Next season Sidmouth are to run two Under-10 teams and one at the age groups of Under-12, 13 and 14.

New players are always welcomed at Sidmouth CC and if anyone wants to know more, either about the youngsters’ winter work or indeed joining the Fortfield club as an adult they can give Rob Fowler a ring on the number above.