THIS season promises to be an exciting one for members and supporters of Ilminster Cricket Club.

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 6) brings about the start of the senior league season, with the 1st Xl travelling to Shapwick & Polden as they start their challenge for the West of England Premier League Premier 2 Bristol & Somerset title.

Sam Spurway takes the reigns once again this season, leading a mixed team of both experienced players and members of the youth programme developing into the senior game.

The second XI start their season hoping for fine weather and a good crowd as they host Minehead.

A disco following the game in the newly named ‘Ricer’s Shed’ will kick off the entertainment programme for the season.

Gary ‘Hotdog’ Warren will hope for a promising start to the Shrubbery Hotel Somerset Cricket League Division 3 battle, which will see them host a few local derbies.

The ‘A’ team, which prides itself on introducing youngsters into senior cricket, have a new captain this season.

Toby Knight’s youthful squad start their League Division 8 South campaign with a short trip to Ilton, where they take on their second Xl (1.30pm start).

Hoping for a successful start to the season for all three teams is club chairman Paul Knight, who said: “This season will certainly be a test, but I am confident that all teams will push hard and I wish them well.

“There are many things to look forward to this season but still lots of work to do behind the scenes.

“If anyone would like to help the club, we would like to hear from you – the more support the better.”

It is also an exciting season ahead for the youth section of the club, with the continual development of the youth section set to be boosted by the ECB All Stars Cricket programme.

Five to eight-year-olds can learn all the aspects of the game from fully qualified coaches in Ilminster.

After some very popular Under-19 T20 fixtures last year, this season the club will host three home games where supporters can experience the full atmosphere of T20 cricket.

Following the improvements to the external parts of Ricer’s Shed, the club hopes for continued support this season to enable them to complete the refurbishment.

The Shed will be open every Saturday as well as for other Sunday league & friendly fixtures.

For more information, you can visit the club’s Facebook or Twitter pages, or their website.