THE men’s and women’s Dorset county cricket teams have started their T20 campaigns.

The men are playing in the National Counties Cricket Association competition, the level below the professional county game.

The women are taking part in the national England & Wales Cricket Board competition with current and former professional players participating.

Last year saw the men reach finals day in the competition but lose in the semi-final to Cambridgeshire.

Team captain Luke Webb is upbeat about the team’s chances of returning to Tring Park CC for finals day with the appointment of Paul Lawrence as head coach and the exciting signing of white ball specialist Ross Whiteley.

“Having got to finals day last year, one area we identified we probably need to improve is power in the middle order and Ross certainly provides that,” said Webb.

Lawrence was quick to talk about the impact Whiteley could have on one of the youngest sides in the competition.

He said: “It was important that we brought in a player who would share his experiences and when we approached Ross, we had no doubt he was the person for us.”
Sherborne School was the venue for the opening game against Herefordshire and offered free admission.

The county women’s team have faced a winter of rejuvenation. A new head coach, Steve Wilson, supported by new team manager Charlotte Mandale, aim to drive the promising squad forward.

For fixtures and the latest team news cricket fans can head to www.dorsetccc.play-cricket.com for the men and www.dcb.play-cricket.com/home for the women.

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