Before a ball of the new first class cricket season has been bowled, Somerset County Cricket Club membership is looking in a healthy position, thanks to the large numbers who have signed up for 2002.

Membership secretary Joanne Betsworth told me earlier today: "Membership numbers for the new season are looking very good indeed, and we are well ahead of where we were at the same stage last season, which is all very pleasing. We are especially pleased with the number of new members who have signed up and also the numbers of Junior Sabres, which is a category we have worked very hard to promote."

Accounts manager John Fitzgerald confirmed the financial situation and told me: "At the present time we are 20% ahead of where we were at this time in April 2001, which is largely due to the increased membership numbers."

With the first home game of the new season against Glamorgan in the Benson & Hedges Cup scheduled to take place at the County Ground a week tomorrow, anyone intending to join should do so now to make the maximum use of their membership.

Joining the club could not be simpler, just click on to the membership section on the website and complete the required sections, or telephone 01823 272946 and talk to Jo Betsworth.

The club is looking to recruit people to work in the catering department on match days at the County Ground. For a Somerset fan this is a unique opportunity to combine business and pleasure and anyone interested should contact Brian Lee or San Safe on 01823 272946.

© SOMERSET