The future for Loddon Cricket Club looks bright on the back of promotion and a sponsorship boost.The club has secured an important source of funding when local estate agency Musker MacIntyre agreed to underwrite the club's pre-season training at Hobart School indoor nets.

The future for Loddon Cricket Club looks bright on the back of promotion and a sponsorship boost.

The club has secured an important source of funding when local estate agency Musker MacIntyre agreed to underwrite the club's pre-season training at Hobart School indoor nets.

Treasurer Keith Johnstone said: “I am delighted that the club's close association with Musker MacIntyre is continuing - this sponsorship is important to allow us to continue development of youth potential and intensive coaching of seniors.”

The mood in the club is upbeat, as halfway through structured winter nets sessions there is now tough competition for places in the first-team batting order.

Loddon have been promoted to Division One of the Norfolk Cricket League and that has attracted some big hitters to commit to playing for the club this coming season.

First-team skipper Tom Rowson said: “I have never known us to have this kind of selection problem - I may have to drop myself down to number nine to allow the younger talent to come through.

“We have now got Ryan Edmonds, ex-skipper of the A team, in contention for an opening spot - and a leaner, fitter Scott Armiger is looking dangerous in the nets.”

Last year's Musker MacIntyre man-of-the-season was left-armer Kevin Jones who is quicker off five paces than many younger bowlers are off 20. He is shown with the bottle of bubbly presented by president Simon MacIntyre.

This year, Beccles boy Anthony Aldred steps up to be A-team skipper and wants to continue to foster the great spirit in that team.

Nets continue every Sunday at Hobart School.

Anyone interested in playing or getting involved in the club should phone Andy Baker on 01508 520533.