THE junior section have flourished at Ashton-under-Hill Cricket Club this season.

Their All Stars programme, England and Wales Cricket Board’s national initiative to introduce children to the sport, saw 25 youngsters attend on Friday evenings.

Players as young as six represented the club in under nines softball festivals.

The under 11s team won four fixtures in the Cotswold Hills League with two successes for the under 13s.

Ashton's girls' section, led by Will Archer, made great strides, enjoying fixtures and playing for the league teams.

Four progressed to county age group teams — Connie Archer and Sophie Smith-Graham for Gloucestershire and Fleur Archer and Kendra Parsons for Worcestershire.

Ashton hope to have under 11s, 13s and 15s girls' teams next year and need additional players.

Anyone interested can call Dave Whitehouse on 07771 942464.

The season was rounded off in style with a match followed by the presentation of awards.

AWARD WINNERS

Most improved player: Harry Hughes; best newcomer: Liam Harvey; spirit of cricket: Sophie Smith-Graham.

Under 13s players’ player: Django Taylor; coaches' award: Connie Archer; most runs scored: Connie Archer; most wickets taken: Django Taylor.

Under 11s players’ player: Harry Archer; coaches' award: Oli Birch; most runs scored: Harry Parsons; most wickets taken: Harry Parsons.

Girls’ team players’ player: Dixie Taylor; coaches' award: Kendra Parsons.