NEWTOWN Cricket Club have unveiled their first ever female president in its 147 year history.

Sheila Anthony has taken over the role from the long serving Peter Davies who has stepped down after many years at the helm.

Sheila paid tribute to the outgoing president and looked ahead to the new season.

"My thanks to Peter who has worked so hard for so many years for the club," said Sheila. "I hope to build on the work he has done at the club.

"I think it is important that we are starting up the All Stars programme again. It is so important to the club to be producing players for the future and has been really successful in the past.

"I would like to think we can get some girls to join with a view to establishing a women's team in the future."

Sheila was relishing a return to Henshalls Shropshire League One action after the lockdown impacted 2020.

"We were just fortunate to get any games in at all last season and we are hoping things get better this summer. We are looking forward to the league season and our target is promotion to the Premier League."

Newtown Cricket Club confirmed the appointment and paid tribute to Peter Davies for his efforts over the years.

A club spokesman said: "Following on from International Woman’s day and Mother’s Day Newtown Cricket Club is delighted to announce Sheila Anthony as our first female president

"Sheila has been involved with the cricket club for a number of years helping in various roles including treasurer and doing the teas. She is a regular visitor to the Rec supporting both teams

"A huge thank you to Peter Davies who is stepping down. Peter has been integral to the running of the club for a number of years and we look forward to continue welcoming him down the club as a fan."

Meanwhile the club will once again be running its popular All Stars programme for children aged between five and eight this summer.

The programme begins on May 14 and will run to July 9 from 5.30-6.15pm. Registration opens on March 22 at £40 per child.