AVONCROFT Cricket Club have named Jonathan Hunter as new first team captain.

Hunter, who has been with the club since 2016, replaces last season's skipper Mark Whitehead.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge. We have a good group of lads that on their day can challenge anyone in the league.

"It really is a great club who have made me feel really welcome since I joined a couple of years ago.

"The season is going to be a big learning curve for myself but I have some experience amongst the ranks to support me and share ideas and it's something that I am really looking to giving a go.

On his aims for the approaching campaign, he added: "I want to be competitive in every game and you never know what can happen.

"I would like to see the batsmen score big runs and the bowlers to take a lot of wickets, as long as they save some wickets for me. Everyone in the top seven is capable of scoring big runs and it's about turning those fifties into hundreds. If that doesn't happen the lads are going to get fed up of me talking about moving myself up the order!"

Meanwhile, the committee and members at the club have been working hard behind the scenes to improve the facilities, including a new look practice facility.

The club also has a new ladies' pavilion and changing facility ready for the start of the season as well as new sight screens.