BEN Rhydding Cricket Club start an exciting new chapter when they play their first fixtures in the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League on April 24.

Ben Rhydding 1st X1 will start in Division 3 with a home tie against Rainton CC on Saturday and skipper Forrest Hamilton, is very much looking forward to the new challenges ahead.

Restrictions permitting, the captain is hoping for a full and uninterrupted season of cricket, culminating with promotion on September 18.

Ben Rhydding’s 2nd X1 will be playing in League 7 and start their campaign away at Studley Royal 4th XI, with both matches starting at 1.30pm.

2nd X1 captain Charlie Hatton is also excited at the prospect of captaining the side for the first time and at 20 years old, with youth to the fore, he is hoping that a number of the U15’s cohort will play a big part this season and develop their skills and love of the game by playing regular adult cricket.

Club Secretary Tom Holmes has been delighted with the early turn out at nets and said: “now the decision to move to the NADCL has been approved, the atmosphere and energy surrounding the club has been infectious.

“We have also attracted several new players who are looking to play a competitive but more relaxed brand of cricket.

“ Everyone is looking forward to playing at some picturesque new grounds and with all this in our Centenary Year as well, it just seems the perfect time for a new challenge”.

Former 1st X1 skipper, Alex Miller, has formed a new Sunday Friendly team as well, called the BRCC Centurions.

Senior nets will take place on Tuesday nights from 6-8pm. For more details, email: 7tholmes7@gmail.com

Junior Chair, Louise Atherton has also been working tirelessly behind the scenes throughout lockdown to ensure that Rhydding’s boys and girls will have a full programme of cricket this year. The club will run U15, U11 and U9’s teams this year and remains affiliated to the Aire Wharfe Junior Cricket League.

Junior League matches start on April 18th, and for those wishing to join the club, please note U15 and U13 training takes place on Monday nights from 6-7pm, and U11 and U9’s training on Wednesday nights from 5.30-6.30pm. For more information, please contact: louise.atherton@yahoo.co.uk

Club President Frank Taylor has been at the helm for 20 years now and is thrilled at the prospect of bringing up the club’s century.

The Club celebrates its centenary with a special family day on Sunday 4th July at Ben Rhydding Sports Club. Inter club matches are planned all day, starting with a juniors T16 match in the morning, then a Past Players T10, followed by a current players T20.

Taylor said: “it’s going to be wonderful to be able to get all sections of the club, present and past members, together again. We have lots of memories to celebrate and have plenty to look forward to”.