MEMBERS of Minehead Cricket Club have joined forces with 1610’s West Somerset Sports and Leisure Centre as part of a five-week pre-season training course to get members fit for the new cricket season.

They are getting fit with spinning sessions and interval training exercises under the watchful eye of trainer Suzanne Richards ( pictured centre).

The club have also recruited the services of South African International T20 and former Somerset bowler Alfonso to help them to prepare for the new season.

Thomas (centred below), who retired at the end of last season after a long and successful career playing cricket around the world, is spending four sessions at the leisure centre putting the players through their paces.

This season Minehead will be competing in the Division One of the Best Western Shrubbery Hotel Somerset League and open their season on Saturday May 7 with an away game against Temple Cloud, then host Ashbrittle the week after.

Before that, they have two pre-season friendlies, the first at home against Staplegrove on Sunday April 24, starting at 2pm.

Meanwhile the Minehead and West Somerset Cricket Academy for junior players are holding their launch/registration Day on Wednesday (April 6).

Sponsored by Richard Beaver, of Beaver Ford, and The Culbone, the day will run from 10am until 3pm and is open to youngsters between 9 and 19 years old.