There will be several new faces at Letchworth Cricket Club this summer. The club have offset the loss of top bowler Stewart Roberts, who has returned to his native Cardiff, by recruiting several new players of first XI standard. These include three with s

There will be several new faces at Letchworth Cricket Club this summer.

The club have offset the loss of top bowler Stewart Roberts, who has returned to his native Cardiff, by recruiting several new players of first XI standard.

These include three with substantial Minor Counties experience.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Ben Wallis has joined from St Margaretsbury, having moved into the area because of his role as North Herts sports development officer.

He has been joined by two other well-known names, former Cheshunt and Hoddesden batsman Steve March and his ex-colleague at Cheshunt, Richard Jerome, who has had a brief spell at Reed since leaving Langleybury.

New skipper Colin Letford (right) should have all the other members of last year's squad available, with the possible exception of his predecessor Brian Mebourne who is currently struggling with a back injury.

With all the new recruits batting in the top or middle order, runs should not be a problem for Letford. But he may struggle to bowl sides out, particularly early in the season before Ed Morse returns from first-class duty with Oxford University.

The signs look good for the club with the ECB-funded new ground at Fairfield Park (see separate story) coming on stream this season giving the lower league sides and the colts a much improved playing facility.

The main ground at Whitethorn Lane will also be benefiting from the planned installation of an electronic scoreboard.

This is being generously funded by the club's leading sponsors Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and Foreman Laws Solicitors. The club is also receiving substantial support from other sponsors including Phillips Digital and RJB Builders.

New chairman Colin Chatfield, together with head coach Dave Smith, is spearheading a drive to further improve the club's colts cricket. They have a particular target of ensuring that the best juniors are fully prepared for integration into the top senior sides as soon as they are ready.

The club hopes to run six Saturday sides regularly this season and more new members would be welcome. Anyone interested should contact Colin Chatfield on 01462 895386 or email chatfieldc@btconnect.com

* Letchworth will end their season on a high note.

Their annual Warwickshire Benefit Day is for this season's beneficiary, Ashes hero Ashley Giles, on Friday, September 22.

After last year's bumper event for all-rounder Dougie Brown, sponsors are already booking teams for the pro-am seven-a-side tournament and for pitchside marquees.

Organiser Mark Bianchi said: "The response to this year's event has been phenomenal and the day promises to be the most successful yet."

Anyone wanting more information can call Mark on 07778 708648 or email mark@bianchifurniture.co.uk