WITH the new season now only six weeks away, Elworth Cricket Club are stepping up their preparations.

With competition for places being particularly fierce, net sessions are taking place every Sunday this month at Alsager Leisure Centre.

One final preparatory session has been booked at the Old Trafford indoor centre on Sunday, April 4.

Elworth will warm up with a friendly between their first and second teams at London Road on Saturday, April 10.

The first team begin their PipeMaster North Staffs and Cheshire League season at Kidsgrove on Saturday, April 17.

The club has been drawn at home to Porthill Park in the first round of the Talbot Cup on May 16 and away to Widnes or Bramhall in the second round of the Cheshire Cup on May 23.