MUCH has happened since EDS Leigh Cricket Club's inception in 1854 and the club has witnessed many changes during that time.

However, during its long and illustrious history it is hard to imagine it having witnessed such radical and exciting changes as have occurred over recent years.

It is now a regular occurrence for International and County players to play both for, Iqbal Sikander (Pakistan) and Jo Angel (Australia), and against Leigh, the junior teams have embraced the coloured kit that is now such a big part of modern-day cricket, the club play in a league nationally recognised as being one of the best outside of the first-class game and Beech Walk is rapidly becoming one of the best grounds in the area in terms of its standard of playing surface, dressing room and viewing facilities.

EDS Leigh CC are members of the Premier Division of the Liverpool & District Cricket Competition, which is one of the England Cricket Board's Premier National Leagues.

The ECB introduced Premier Leagues two seasons ago as part of its national initiative to improve the overall quality of English Cricket and is in effect the equivalent of the Nationwide Conference League in footballing terms.

Since joining the LDCC in 1996, moving from the limited overs version of the game in Manchester to the 'time-cricket' of Liverpool, Leigh has made steady and consistent progress, consistently finishing in the top four places, and culminating last year in being just ten minutes and one wicket short of being crowned the 2002 League Champions.

Cup successes in the Premier Cup as well as a number of near things and runners-up places have helped establish Leigh as a team to be reckoned with at this level.

Perhaps the most exciting and significant success for the club over recent times has been the emergence of its youngsters, many of whom have joined from other local clubs, others have arrived via local schools and playground word of mouth and some have appeared at Beech Walk after 'finding' the game on TV.

EDS Leigh Cricket Club runs successful teams at four age groups and has within its ranks five juniors who regularly represent Lancashire at various age levels, including one, Steven Mullaney, 16, who has been selected for the recently launched, much acclaimed, Lancs Academy. This year the club have also acquired the services of Tim Rees, 18, who made his Lancashire 1st XI debut last year, and teenager Phil Harrison who opens the bowling for Cheshire U/17's.

Plans are already in place to continue to encourage and develop the junior section of the club in the future, with an aim of progressing these players through to senior cricket.

Activity continues to ensure quality players continue to be attracted to the Green & Gold's to ensure a good mix of youth and experience at 1st XI level.

EDS Leigh Cricket Club is also in the process of improving even further its infrastructure with development work being undertaken on new sightscreens, ground covers and, in the future, the score box.

Over the years EDS Leigh Cricket Club could just well have been the best-kept sporting secret in the local area.

Where else can you regularly watch International, National and County sportsmen up close and interactive - for free?

Where else can you see the local lad pitting his sporting skills against the West Indian opening bowler whose previous victims included Tendulkar - for free?

Where else could you watch a World Cup Winner playing for your local team - for free?

All this at a ground considered good enough for Lancashire County Cricket Club to use, where the hospitality and facilities are second to none and is just 10 minutes walk from Leigh town centre.

Go on give it a go ... Leigh Cricket Club, Beech Walk.