CRICKETERS finally got onto the field in preparation for competitive action beginning this weekend.

A number of friendly matches took place last weekend after Government guidelines were eased allowing cricket action to return.

Brockhampton firsts took the first county bragging rights after they beat Colwall by 15 runs in a 40 overs tie.

After being put into bat the visitors posted a target of 185 all out which Colwall failed to hit, finishing on 170 all out.

Players donated their match fees to St Michaels Hospice.

This is in support of Herefordshire County Cricket's President, Nick Nenadich who is raising funds for the hospice which the cricket and rugby communities are supporting.

Should you wish to support Herefordshire Cricket's fundraising for the hospice you can follow the link to our Just Giving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/herefordshire-cricket

The sides will meet again this weekend in competitive action as Brockhampton host Colwall in the first round of the Worcestershire County League Supper 40 Cup.

Meanwhile, Burghill, Tillington and Weobley travel to Worcester Nomads.

In the WCL Super 40 Trophy Eastnor host Bartestree & Lugwardine and Brockhampton 2nd travel to Barnards Green.

All games are 40 overs and start at 1pm.

Ross-on-Wye returned to action on Sunday with a friendly at Bartestree, kindly arranged by Charlie Cole.

The hosts largely fielded their experienced first XI players in preparation for their opening game in the Worcester league, whilst Ross had a mixture of first and second team players with half the team under aged twenty, so the captains agreed that Bartestree would bat first to ensure a fuller game.

Bowling of Adam Parkes and Luke Timewell made early inroads by removing the opening batsmen.

There followed a 140 run stand for the third wicket as Ryan Trattall and Will Maund scored quickly, punishing anything off line and length.

After Maund retired upon passing 100, Ross keeper Si Timewell contributed to two more wickets - a stumping for Dave Bagg in his first Ross game; and a catch from the bowling of Cameron Hill.

However, the scoreboard had moved quickly to 281 for four from the allotted 40 overs.

Under the new guidelines, everyone had bought their own tea, enjoyed under the warm sun, before Ross began their chase.

Facing a fast, experienced bowling attack, only Jack Donovan got into double figures with an entertaining 38, opening his account with a six and later farming the strike well as partners fell at the other end.

Ross were all out for 81 from 27 overs and one ball with Bartestree winning by 200 runs.

Ross would like to thank Now Storage for their continued sponsorship for the season, and wishes Charlie Cole good luck in his forthcoming cricketing move to Bartestree.

In preparation for the start of a halved Marches league season for Ross, an inter-club warm up game has been arranged this Saturday, July 18.