CHIPPENHAM Cricket Club's junior cricket academy proved a success during the winter months.

The academy was established last year with the aim of helping young, committed cricketers realise their full potential in the game.

Three groups of young players from the ages of nine to 19 have experienced an intensive winter coaching programme delivered by coaches including former England test player Richard Illingworth and Gloucestershire's opening batsman Tim Hancock.

Academy director Dale Bowler said: "The Academy has enabled promising young players to experience the highest level of coaching

"All the external coaches have been impressed with the players' commitment and development during the winter. News of the success of the Academy is spreading and we are already getting requests from new players to join it next winter."

Chippenham's young cricketers have already won their first trophy of the year. The U14 team took part in the Salisbury and District Indoor League for the first time and won eight of their nine games to take the title ahead of Andover and South Wilts. Captain Tim Rowson was the second highest scorer in the league and Phil Adams was second in the bowling averages.

With the new cricket season fast approaching, Chippenham are holding their annual Youth Signing-on Evening on Saturday at Chippenham Sports Club from 7pm.