CHIPPING Sodbury launch the new league cricket season with a testing trip to Woodmancote on Saturday.

Bryan Jater's side dropped down last year from the WEPL's Glos & Wilts division and now find themselves in the Gloucester division and taking on opponents who narrowly missed out on promotion.

There's a new look to Sodbury's first XI with several members of last summer's squad not available because of work commitments or having moved on.

But openings have developed for eager young products of the club's thriving youth section and Sodbury are keen to make a big impression ahead of the league restructuring which comes into effect for next year.

Sodbury 2nds, meanwhile, continue to be led by experienced batsman Jerry Swatton. They play in the WEPL’S Glos&Wilts 2nd XI division, and get underway with a home clash on Saturday against Biddestone.

Sodbury 3rds, who play in Division Three of the Bristol & District League, will be skippered once more by Chris Young as they kick off with a derby trip to Pucklechurch.

Richard Bennett is the new captain of Sodbury 4ths who this year compete in Division Nine. Their first game is at home on Saturday verses Bristol Lions.

And Sodbury 5ths, under the guidance of veteran Richard Deane, are this summer in Division Ten. Their first opponents on Saturday are Coalpit Heath, at Tormarton CC.

Sodbury, a community-based club who are sponsored by Power Systems, also have a busy Sunday schedule as, under new captain Tom Febry, they have re-entered the Village League.

They have a friendly on Sunday at home to Westbury.

Senior practice takes place at The Ridings every Thursday (6.30pm), players of all ages and abilities welcome.

l The Bristol Phoenix season has got underway with the 1st X1 and the Under 15s playing their first fixtures. The 1st X1 travelled to Bath for the start of the Ladies South West League and a fixture against an experienced and top quality side. Bath batted first on a cold spring day and South African international Lizelle Lee struck the ball hard and fast reaching 50 in thirty one balls and sharing an opening partnership of 133 with Le’Marchand. All was pointing towards a very large total but the youthful Bristol ladies stuck with the task and took all eleven Bath wickets for 57 runs, getting the home side out for 190. Highlight of the bowling attack being 4 for 16 off 7 overs from U17 Emily Wilson supported by 2 for 27 off 8 overs by Atkinson and 2 for 14 off 4 overs from Davis.

The Bath attack was always going to be a strong one with England academy players and this proved to be the case reducing Phoenix to 63. Top scorers being opener Thompson and middle order Khan both reaching 14. This was a young Phoenix team that stuck well to the task and set some good foundations for the season.

The Under 15s played their first match of the BYCL season against partner club Thornbury on a glorious evening at The Ship. Phoenix suffered a narrow defeat in the season opener against a very strong Thornbury side. A Great debut from Natasha Smith with 25 not out, a wicket and a stunning catch. 34 from Molly Thomas and some good bowling from Maddie Hughes (1-17), Alice Hill (1-14), and Alice Graham (1-14). Top scoring for Thornbury was Alfie Bradley on 23. Bowling highlight was Josh Riggs giving just 8 runs from his four overs.

Bristol Phoenix is currently running a Chance-to-Shine programme with the Gloucestershire Cricket Board at three local schools, Almondsbury, St Helen’s, and Crossways Juniors, for year five and six girls. Training for the younger girls is at Tockington School on Wednesday evenings, Senior and Development training is at Chipping Sodbury CC on Friday evenings.