DUNFERMLINE and Carnegie Cricket Club have begun preparations for the new season and are making a pitch for new players.

The McKane Park outfit are looking to be left bowled over by an influx of interested players after holding their first indoor training session at Queen Anne High School on Sunday.

The club, who will hold further sessions on Sunday March 4 (1.30-3.30pm), March 11 (11am-1pm) and March 18 (1.30-3.30pm), will welcome anyone - male or female and of any age - from the West Fife community with a passion for the sport to come along play.

Dunfermline and Carnegie run two senior Saturday teams - for whom training has also started and which anybody interested is welcome to attend - and a Sunday XI, as well as junior teams at under-11 (kiwk cricket for developing players, and hard ball), under-13 and under-15 age groups.

Junior training times and venues, and more information, is available online at http://dunfermlineandcarnegiecricket.hitscricket.co.uk, or by emailing cricketdunfermline@gmail.com.

Meanwhile the club have announced the appointment of a new coach during the off-season.

Ex-Dunfermline Carnegie and Dunfermline player Andy Brown, who also played with Scotland's under-19s, has been appointed to the role that president Martin Honeyford said was a "major boost" to the club's bid to further develop it's junior section.

He said: "I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Andy Brown as the new coach for our club.

"During the off-season, the club's newly-elected committee have been busy behind the scenes looking to improve the club and prepare for the new season.

"One issue identified was that we needed to appoint a coach to help progress our players and juniors further and, as such, this one of the key focuses of our time to date.

"Andy brings with him a wealth of experience from his playing days with both Dunfermline Carnegie and Dunfermline, and also Scotland under-19s.

"This appointment of Andy is a major boost to the club to progress the junior section, which is the future of Dunfermline Carnegie Cricket Club, and will also help the more seasoned players at the club.

"The committee are delighted Andy has come on board. Andy is keen to further his coaching credentials with the club, and will be aided by the club to get further coaching certificates."