WORCESTER Nomads Cricket Club recently held their AGM and the chairman John Prickett reported that the club was progressing well and building for the future.

After four years of waiting, it was announced that the club had eventually received the Lottery grant in respect to the ground extension, thanks to the late Bill Jones' persistence.

The club has also had six new pitches laid thanks to the Sports Turf Research Institute, which will enable the club to play in the centre of the cricket field and offer improved excellence.

The secretary Dave Pearson reported the sad loss of Bill Jones, after a short illness, and also Peter Candlin and Phil Knight, an ex-member of the club.

The treasurer Chris Marsh reported that the club had a poor financial year and needed more fundraising events and the loss of games to be minimised. He emphasised the need for members to support the club and its facilities.

Gerry Jinks continues for his third year as president and Mrs S D Jones was elected unanimously as a life member of the club.

Darren Lakin was elected as the club's captain and will build for the future with the support of Phil Newport as his vice-captain and the overseas recruit of Sachin Khartade, who will be with the club for the start of the season. Nomads are looking for improved results on the field.

Dave Finbow was elected as second XI captain and John Prickett will run the third XI. On Sundays Nick Williams was elected first XI captain and Dave Pearson as second XI captain.

The league match-day manager is again Barrie Rees, who will offer his great wealth of knowledge and the youth chairman is again Bob Carter, once a national coach.

As the club is looking towards the future and being a Focus club, a welfare officer was required and again they have tapped into the rich source of talent in Terry Birt.

The social secretary Andy Leach announced that the club would be holding a charity auction on March 11 at the Worcestershire CCC with some fantastic lots becoming available.

The club has been able to obtain the services of local auctioneer Philip Serrell, from the BBC's Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt, to run the auction with 50 per cent going to the Acorns Hospice.

The club is currently running indoor nets at the Royal Grammar School, Worcester on Sundays.

Eight to 12 years from 4.30pm to 6pm and 14 years and upwards and seniors between 6pm and 7pm.

If you wish to join a thriving local cricket club, contact Darren Lakin on 07971 491208 (m) or Malcolm Jones on 01905 429701 for more information.