Datchworth s cricketers have new grounds for optimism this season. The village club are sandwiched between some of the giants of Herts cricket in Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth Park and Stevenage plus other local villages with a strong cricketing pedigre

Datchworth's cricketers have new grounds for optimism this season.

The village club are sandwiched between some of the 'giants' of Herts cricket in Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth Park and Stevenage plus other local villages with a strong cricketing pedigree.

But new Datchworth chairman Jon Lancaster believes the advent of a proper third team pitch will enable the next generation to learn and prosper at the club.

Lancaster said: "We already have the archetypal cricket green for our first team to play on.

"It's a lovely place to play and we just want to advertise what we've now got here at Datchworth."

A third team was formed a few years ago which attracted an influx of youngsters.

This led to the formation of a youth section which is now in its third year and boasts four age groups.

And an ambitious project is well under way to improve facilities to cater for the third XI and youth section.

This encompasses a new playing surface, with new changing rooms and an upgrade to the car park to follow.

With the club desperately in need of some decent facilities apart from their main ground, extra land was leased behind the clubhouse from a local farmer.

Fundraising within the club helped get the project off the ground plus sponsorship and donations.

Grants in the future will ensure it can be completed.

Long serving groundsman and club treasurer Steve Nash said: "Work has started on the pitches and the new ground is now playable.

"The third XI will be using it this season and this will also be a big bonus for the youngsters.

"It's good news for the club and part of our on-going project.

"We're chuffed to have the pitches and helps in our aim to try and consolidate our senior cricket and develop the youth side."

Lancaster added: "We've got a lovely new ground now, although we're only allowed to use the new pitches for nine games this season to allow it to bed in."

The cricket club, which shares with the rugby and tennis, has played on the village green since the 1920s.

The clubhouse was added in 1965, with the tennis and rugby also joining in the 1960s to form the sports club.

Datchworth will have three teams playing on Saturdays in the Saracens Herts League - Division Five, Nine and 13 - plus one team playing on Sundays in The Broadview Windows North Herts League.

For further information, either email jon.lancaster@datchworthcc.co.uk or call 01438 812490.