AS THE football season draws to a close, the whites are being washed and pressed in preparation for the cricket season.

Chepstow CC and Sudbrook CC will again carry the local banner as they compete in the South East Wales Division One and, as usual, the curtain-raiser sees Sudbrook firsts welcome Chepstow firsts to Mill Lane on 28th April.

Last season’s Division One champions, Chepstow seconds, were unbeaten throughout last summer and begin their defence of the title with a home match against Lisvane on the same day but after their relegation from the Second XIs Division One at the end of the last campaign, Sudbrook seconds will play in the Second Division and their season starts a week later (5th May), at home to Crumlin.

Following back-to-back promotions, Undy and Magor will be in Division Four this season and will again play on the Caldicot Leisure Centre pitch at Mill Lane.

Although the season is still some way off, all the clubs are planning net practice sessions and will welcome anyone keen to play cricket.

Undy and Magor CC’s sessions will be on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm beginning on 9th April while Sudbrook CC’s sessions will be on Fridays from 7.30pm to 9pm. Email [email protected] for details.

Sudbrook have lined up some friendlies with Pentyrch (14th April), Monmouth (15th) Wales Under-17s (21st) and Wales Over-50s (22nd).

For more details, contact Jamie Watkins on 07460928148 or via Sudbrook CC’s Facebook page or Twitter @sudbrookcc

Chepstow CC also have a Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/chepstowcricketclub/

Bob Cypher