HOSPITALITY packages are now available when first-class cricket returns to Leek's Highfield ground for the Pro 40 League fixture between Derbyshire and Essex on Monday, May 3.

The package includes match ticket, reserved parking, plus seating and refreshments, including a five-course lunch.

Tables of 10 are available at £600 plus VAT, with individual hospitality places costing £65 plus VAT.

Places can be reserved by contacting Stan Trafford on (01782) 317795.

Advance tickets are also available on the same contact number, priced £13 each compared to £15 on the day, with concessionary tickets also available.

CLUBS are invited to play in this season's Stone Charity Cup.

Interested clubs can find more details from Jerry Young on (01785) 816431.

The annual meeting of the competition takes place at Little Stoke on Wednesday, March 17 (7.45pm).

SILVERDALE host their first beer festival, starting on Friday and continuing across the weekend.

NEW Staffordshire signing Chris Taylor is running a series of coaching master classes for batting, bowling and wicketkeeping during the Easter holidays.

The courses are being held at Newcastle-under-Lyme School and Denstone College for junior cricketers between the ages of six and 16.

Former Derbyshire captain Steve Stubbings ex-Derbyshire batsman Hassan Adnan and Warwickshire bowling coach Graeme Welch will be among the coaches in attendance.

Full details can be obtained from www.procricketcoachingacademy.com or by contacting Chris Taylor on (01133) 200444 or 07775 886621.

THE next meeting of the Staffordshire Association of Groundsmen is at Stafford on Wednesday (7pm). If your club or grounds person is not a member of STAG, contact Jerry Young via email jerry_young43@yahoo.co.uk to arrange your membership for £10 per year per club.

CHECKLEY commence their 150th year celebrations tonight with a gala dinner at Checkley Community Centre.

SANDYFORD'S bid to reach the national indoor six-side finals at Lord's came to an end when they were beaten by Sheffield Hallam University in the semi-final stages of the regional section, despite a half-century from Jonathan Barnett.

INCLUDED in South Africa's possible 30-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies are former local professionals Albie Morkel, pictured below, Morne Morkel, Justin Kemp, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Rusty Theron.

Former Knypersley professional Tsotsobe had figures of 3-58 to help South Africa defeat India in their final one-day international.