HEREFORDSHIRE CCC 2nd Xl's management are convinced the team are making progress at the end of their second season.

The side were able to celebrate their first win when they beat Worcester County League U19 and believe they have something to build upon.

"The 2nd XI has now been running for two years and progress has been made," said manager Tom Bevan.

"It may be steady but you have to start somewhere.

"The results have been largely negative but we need to escape the idea of winning and losing and focus on the individual player development as the primary focus is to provide a platform for local lads to showcase their talents with the end goal of graduating to the 1st XI and retaining their place.

"Jamie Mcilroy is the flagship example of this in being selected in 2013 then cementing his place in 2014.

"The aim now is to find the next player."

Colwall skipper Dan Head, who has been acting as the side's assistant coach, underlined the ambition to develop players capable of moving up to play in the first-team.

"It is our overall aim to improve the performance, technical and fitness levels of individuals representing the 2nd XI with the long term goal of elevating two players per season into the selection panel for the 1st XI," he said.

Chairman Ian Macklin said that it was important that the developing players were given a chance in the premier side.

"It is imperative that the 2nd XI achieves greater representation within the 1st XI selection process to ensure that our players are looked at first when building the squad or patching holes in it, otherwise we will never progress," he said.

Coach Steve Williams said that some two-day games were being planned for next season.

"Plans are underway for more matches in 2015," said the former Herefordshire cricket development officer.

"This includes two-day matches against potentially Gloucestershire and Worcestershire Academies to provide players with the opportunity to play in the longer format of the game as well as a trophy competition between the likes of Wiltshire and Staffordshire to provide a "team goal" for the players."