THE cream of North Wales cricketers will look to test themselves against opposition from England and Ireland this summer.

Newly revamped during the 2021 season, the North Wales cricket side has returned to action, with an exciting 2022 now in the pipeline.

North Wales team manager Russell Penrhyn-Jones said: "Things are moving quite quickly to be fair."

This summer, North Wales will be invited to compete in a development tournament with a number of Minor Counties from across the border, including Northumberland and Staffordshire.

"That's fantastic news," added Penrhyn-Jones.

"It could be annual as well.

"We will play Cumbria away this year.

"There's a few things to iron out.

"For North Wales, it's fantastic."

The likes of Robbie Jones, St Asaph's Gareth Ryan and Gresford's John Bell are all involved in the set-up.

"To be playing against those types of counties, that puts us in really good shape," said Penrhyn-Jones.

A mock fixture list has been produced, which will be finalised over the coming months.

In addition to the cross-border tournament, Irish opposition have also expressed an interest in action out in the middle.

"Munster want to come over to North Wales in the summer," said Penrhyn-Jones.

"We will have another meeting with the players on January 23."

Bangor-based Watkin Property Ventures is offering its support to the North Wales XI, while further backing is coming from Glenn Chambers, at Icon Sports.

Chambers, a key figure during Pontblyddyn's 2021 title-winning campaign, will be helping out with a coloured North Wales kit for the adventures ahead.

Penrhyn-Jones says it will be a maroon and green kit for the side - and that won't be the only new thing players will experience going forward.

"The format with the games will be a two-day game and five one-day games," added Penrhyn-Jones, who said there will also be a T20 competition.

"There's not one lad in North Wales that will have played two-day cricket."