A CRICKET club with its focus on future successes is looking to expand.

Liskeard Cricket Club had been almost on the point of fading away in 2018 when a determined group of current and former players decided that the club would rise again, and took matters into their own hands.

Fast forward to the start of the new 2021 season and there’s excitement about what lies ahead, as well as a tangible joy to be back on the pitch for competitive league fixtures – which start today (May 1) with a home game against Tideford.

The club’s first XI has some additional talent this year as well as some very welcome returning players.

Chairman Tim Hyslop says the club’s aim is to have enough players to make up a second side, and to run a junior development team.

But it’s all got to be step-by-step, he says, as training for youngsters requires qualified coaches who are prepared to commit regularly.

For the time being, the club would like to gauge local interest in playing and supporting cricket in the town, and so he’d love to hear from people of all ages, male or female, and whether novice or with cricketing experience, who are interested in participating.

There’s also scope for those who love cricket and want to see it thrive in Liskeard, but don’t actually want to play!

“We want to encourage youngsters to take up the sport and we are always looking for volunteers to help out with the running of the club, whether that be on the committee, or helping with practical tasks like maintaining the pitch,” said Tim.

“Liskeard is quite a decent sized town and with more and more families in the area, if there are any that are into cricket, we’d like them to come here!”

As well as the league beginning this weekend, Bank Holiday Monday (May 3) will see the return of the very popular car boot sales held on the field at Lux Park.

The second Bank Holiday of the month (May 31) will be the next car boot on the calendar and then after that, they’ll be held every Friday – weather permitting – for the rest of the summer.

Sellers can arrive from 7.30am and while there isn’t a requirement to book, details will be taken on entry – or you can get in touch ahead of time on [email protected]

The car boots are a good source of income for the club and a chance for local people to meet up, sell their unwanted items, and socialise.

“There’s hopefully a lot of people that will be keen to get out and pitch their wares and we’re encouraging existing and new car booters to come,” said the chairman.

“These events are an opportunity for the club to interact with the community and showcase the facility we’ve got here. The car boots have provided a sustainable income for a number of years, which has helped maintain and improve the facilities. And they’re a good social occasion as well.”

Anyone who is interested in getting involved with Liskeard Cricket Club should ring Tim Hyslop on 07740 875159 or look for the Liskeard Cricket Club Facebook Page.