ALTHOUGH start of the 2015 cricket season is still a few months away, the county's promising young players are already back in training.

Having taken part in intensive training sessions during November and December, each age group squad will now begin their own winter training programmes.

“The next phase of training sees the players return to their age group squads and train with the team-mates they will be playing with throughout 2015," said Ed Price, operations manager at Herefordshire Cricket Limited (HCL).

"Each squad is made up of between 18 and 22 players and they will be training with the two coaches who will be looking after them throughout the season.

"The group sessions run indoors for ten weeks, before the last few sessions then take place outdoors at the Herefordshire Cricket Centre at Pentlands Gardens.”

Price added that HCL's board of directors are currently looking to invest facility improvements at Pentland Gardens, with new outdoor nets being at the top of the priority list.

"What we really lack in Herefordshire are enough quality net facilities and therefore it is very pleasing that our board are looking at investing money in the Cricket Centre and are aiming to install new nets on site," he said.

“The project will be a long-term one as we would have to apply for planning permission, but we do feel we may be able to apply for grant funding to help us make it happen.

“We are also going to seek sponsorship for this project so if any companies out there would like to find out more about how they can help us – and obviously get publicity for doing so – then please do get in contact."