THE ever-popular Natwest T20 Blast Cricket returns to Ilminster this month as the Under-19s take part in the national competition.

The fast-paced, family-friendly cricket brings all the excitement and atmosphere of the senior game, with the teams in coloured kit and using a pink ball.

Off the pitch the supporters are well catered for, with a barbecue, bar, bouncy castle, and a live DJ providing music throughout, as well as songs for wickets and boundaries.

The games will end in traditional style, with player interviews and man-of-the-match presentations.

The following fixtures are all to be played at the Recreation Ground, Canal Way, with play starting at 6.30pm:
Friday, June 16 versus Yeovil
Friday, July 14 versus Crewkerne
Friday, July 28 versus North Perrott

ECB All Stars training will run alongside these matches.

This training – an initiative from the ECB to get youngsters into cricket – is for five- to eight-year-olds, and began a few weeks ago.

More than 20 youngsters have taken to the Rec with the coaches in their personalised kit, to learn both technical and communication skills.

The All Stars training runs for 10 weeks, and the youngsters also have the opportunity to watch action-packed 20-over cricket on the dates above.