CHEPSTOW Cricket Club are gearing up for an exciting season, writes Bob Cypher.

The club has announced a new sponsorship deal and are starting their first Girls & Ladies team session, as well as an All-Stars session to introduce youngsters to the sport.

On 29 April they start their first Girls and Ladies team session, starting at 6:30 at Chepstow Athletic Club on Mathern Road.

Club chairman Tim Rees is enthusiastic about the sponsorship deal and innovations.

“We have had a busy and exciting Junior section with lots of boys and girls enjoying our Monday night softball sessions,” he said.

“We recognised that we weren’t doing enough for girls who were 10 or over or for ladies of any age so we were delighted when local teacher Lisa Duncan, who is a regular cricketer, volunteered to run the sessions for us.

“We really hope that as many ladies as possible come and give the game a go in a fun and friendly environment. Cricket experience is most definitely NOT required!”

In addition the club have signed up to the All Stars Cricket programme for boys and girls aged four to nine.

“This gives us the opportunity to give the kids who come along an even better time than before with more activities, more fun and loads of free kit and equipment,” Rees explained.

“We will be holding two taster sessions starting Monday 29 April and then kicking into the All Stars sessions proper from May 13th.”

To book a place, go to www.allstarscricket.co.uk/chepstow

The final piece of Chepstow’s jigsaw in growing their support for the junior and Ladies teams has been to reach agreement with two major sponsors, Dean Close St Johns on the Hill and Alcumus Safecontractor.

“We have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Dean Close St Johns on the Hill and are delighted that they will be our main shirt sponsor, while being linked to a national company like Alcumus is great news and helps us fund our continued drive towards ensuring that as many boys and girls as possible enjoy the game," the chairman added.