The coronavirus pandemic ruined hopes of a fourth successive promotion for Minster’s senior side but the junior section is thriving.

Just recently the club broke new ground when for the first time ever they fielded three separate junior sides in the same age group on the same evening.

“We’re very proud of how far we’ve come and all 24 lads did great,” the club boasted on twitter. “Proof cricket is still thriving!”

Recreational cricket got the go-ahead to return last month and while the Kent Cricket League scrapped their 2020 season the kids have been returning to Gilbert Hall in their numbers as competitive action in the Swale Cricket Association has resumed.

Junior co-ordinator Callum Hughes has been delighted, saying: “After months of being stuck indoors, Minster Cricket Club's junior section has come out of lockdown with a bang.

“Adapting to social distancing and guidelines provided by the ECB, the Swale Cricket Association leagues were able to restart again last week.

“Despite concerns about demand to play matches for the shortened season, the club's junior membership continues to grow to record levels.

“Over seventy children under the age of 16 are now registered with the club, and for the first time in their history, Minster were able to field three junior teams at one age group on the same night for the first time ever.”

The teams of eight competed in three separate under-12 matches at the club’s home ground.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for the club,” Hughes added.

The under-16s and under-14s have also kicked off their season, as well as friendly soft ball training for under-10 players.

Senior cricket is restricted to friendly action at present, with three teams fielded last weekend, but it’s likely that a Twenty20 competition will take place.

Minster’s 1st XI were set to play in Division 1 of the Kent Cricket League this summer, just one step below the top-flight of the county set-up.

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