TAUNTON Deane Cricket Club are looking forward to the 2019 cricket season after a winter that has seen them strengthen on and off the field.

On the field, the club welcomes Jamie Stephens to the ranks.

An off-spinning all-rounder previously with Falmouth CC, Stephens is well known to Deane captain Rob Woodman through his time playing minor counties cricket with Devon.

The club also welcome back Sam Loud and Harry Thomas from their travels down under.

The latter spent the winter scoring over 500 runs and taking in excess of 40 wickets for Strathfield CC in Sydney.

Grant Davey and Charlie Sharland, a product of the Deane’s youth system, rejoin the club from Ashbrittle.

Off the field the club has undergone further development over the winter and the patio has been extended complimenting last year’s improvements to the bar.

The club boasts five Saturday league teams playing in the West of England Premier League and Somerset Cricket League. The club also fields three dedicated women’s and girl’s teams and a friendly XI.

The burgeoning youth section continues to go from strength to strength under the watchful eyes of Keith Woodman and Russell Jones.

More than 140 youngsters from under-9 through to under-19s train each week and compete in local league cricket throughout the summer.

The Thursday night youth coaching programme soon starts again beginning with the annual youth registration night.

Interested parents and guardians are invited to the registration evening at the Club on Thursday, April 23 from 6pm to sign up or find out more.

The clubhouse and bar will remain open for parents and supporters during the course of each training session.

As well as hosting league and youth cricket, the Deane will continue to host Somerset Cricket Board Age group matches, SCB Women’s and Disabled cricket as well as the SCB Over-50s and Over-60s XI.

Local league action starts on Saturday, May 4 and after finishing third in WEPL Premier Two last season.

The 1st X1 will be looking to push for promotion back into WEPL Premier One after a three year absence.

Robert Woodman takes the reins of the 1st XI for the sixth consecutive season and the 1st XI league campaign kicks off with the short trip down the A303 to Ilminster, last year’s WEPL Premier Two runners up.

The 2nd XI, promoted to WEPL Somerset as champions, remain under the tutelage of Russell Jones and they welcome fellow promoted side Street 1st XI to the Convent Field.

The Cavaliers host the reverse fixture, as they visit Street 2nd XI.

In the Somerset League, the Crusaders host Sparkford 1st XI whilst the newly formed 5th XI host Chard 3rd XI.

The following weekend sees the 1st XI walk out at the Deane for the first time in the 2019 season when the visitors to will be Keynsham.

The women’s 1st X1 start with a local derby against Taunton St Andrew's CC in a triangular tournament that also features Staplegrove CC in the Somerset Ladies League.

For those interested in playing, senior training takes places at the club on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6pm, while the women’s and girls teams train on Sunday mornings.

The clubhouse and bar remain open throughout both sessions for friends and supporters.

There is a lively social scene at the club for those wishing to watch some cricket and support the club in its community endeavours.

The club is just a short walk from town and located adjacent to Vivary Park.

The club looks forward to welcoming new members to the club in a playing or social capacity and visitors are welcome guests to the club at any time during the season.

For the latest news and results from Taunton Deane CC the club can be followed on twitter @tauntondeanecc or via the club website tauntondeanecc.co.uk.