The future of Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club now looks considerably brighter following the highly successful annual general meeting last week.

After experiencing team raising problems at the end of last season, the club, which was founded in 1886, was in danger of folding but support has now rallied with some forty people being involved in the meeting.

One of the changes agreed at the meeting was the appointment of Ian Thomas as chairman.

He takes over from Steve Batey who, during his six years in charge, has seen the club make great steps forward and establish itself in a healthy financial position.

Sam Farrow has also stepped down at club captain after a successful four years at the helm.

It was decided that in future the match captain should be decided on the day and that Mark Batey would co-ordinate a team selection group to organise players for each game.

Derek Wellman will remain as secretary, Neil Price as treasurer and Andy Jones as groundsman.

It was reported that a real positive of the last season was the continuation of the Allstars (5-8 year-olds) and the Dynamos (8-11 year-olds) run by Andrew Harrison and helpers.

In addition to helping to nurture young players, it also raised £1400 for club funds through subscriptions and sales.

The meeting heard that Andrew Harrison is also looking to develop an older youth group into an Under-13s team.

“The main part of the evening was then used to discuss the way forward and how to overcome the problems faced in fielding a team especially towards the end of last season,” secretary Derek Wellman told the Herald.

“After a very positive discussion it was decided that the club would do its very best to keep its own identity and that a sub-committee, led by Ian Thomas, would be formed to try to source

and attract new players to the club through social media, advertising and word of mouth.”

“We want to make a big effort to promote the club and make it was inviting as possible,” added Mr. Wellman.

“Overall, it was a very positive meeting and something the club can work towards for next season,” he added.

During last season, ULRCC competed in the Devon Cricket League Division C East (middle table finish) and played friendly matches on some Sundays. They also fielded sides in the East Devon T20 Bash (winners) and the Devon Cricket League Ivor Dewdney Corinthian Cup(semi-finalists).