HESLINGTON CC are looking to build on the success of their 2019 promotion-winning campaign by boosting senior player numbers.

Based at The Outgang near the University of York, Heslington have four senior teams, and show real pride in their flourishing junior section.

Headed by second-team captain Richard Wells, the club's junior section (which offers teams up to under-15s as well as an 'all-stars' programme) has proved a pathway to the fourth, third and even second teams.

But as a result of player movement and a reliance on seasonal university students, the first team - who play in York & District Senior League division two Ebor - have struggled this season, currently sitting just one place above the drop zone.

First-team vice-captain Rob Stonadge said: “The need for committed, quality senior players is paramount for further first-team success and progression.

"It is unsustainable to rely on junior players to perform at more challenging senior levels.

"While we welcome involvement from our younger members, we are in a real transitional period having lost members of our first team.

"We are looking for experienced players who want a new challenge to join us and strengthen our senior set-up.”

Led by the bowling of skipper Danial Giannini, recent positive results have lifted the first team out of the bottom two, points coming from a winning draw at fellow strugglers Hemingbrough and a losing draw at home to second-placed Stamford Bridge.

After the Bridge game, opening bat Harry Baldwin said: “The last few weeks we have played some really good cricket shown a great fighting spirit, picking up valuable points at home and away. It’s important we continue with this run of good form.”

As well as putting together a senior side, the club is also fundraising to build new training facilities, which will be made available for community use. Chairman Graham Purdy believes Heslington are "75 per cent there" and hopes it will be open by early September.

Off the field, Heslington have strong links to York Mind, a mental health service.

To join the club, email heslingtoncc@gmail.com. To contribute to Heslington's fundraising, see justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Heslingtoncc.

The club added their thanks to continued supporters York Gin Co, Cycle Heaven and Masonry Tech.