CRICKET: Prestatyn great Will Owen believes the club is destined for better things in 2026

After two seasons of finishing bottom in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition Second Division, Prestatyn CC have a more optimistic outlook for 2026.

The Beach Close side begin their campaign on April 25 with a visit to Southport Trinity and club stalwart, former Glamorgan bowler WILL OWEN, spoke to Grassroots North Wales about the prospects for the season ahead.

Grassroots North Wales

I believe there are some former players returning to Beach Close for the 2026 season. What can you tell us about this?

Will Owen

We’re really pleased to welcome a number of former players back to the club for the 2026 season. Kieren New and Ryan Westwell have both made the move back from Bootle, returning to their childhood club.
They’ll bring not only consistency on the field but also valuable experience, which will no doubt have a positive influence on the rest of the squad.

Grassroots North Wales

Is it right that others are ‘reconnecting’ with the club after an absence?

Will Owen

Last year we held our first-ever 6-a-side tournament, which was a great success. It brought former players back from all over and reunited a lot of familiar faces. That seems to have sparked something, as a number of them have stayed involved or returned this season.
It’s great to see players like Gaz Boughey, Darren Hughes, Danny Williams and Mike Bona back enjoying their cricket again — it’s added a really good feel around the club.

Grassroots North Wales

There has been a full refurbishment of the clubhouse. How is this looking, will this have a positive effect on the club?

Will Owen

The clubhouse is looking fantastic. Darren (Hughes Joinery) has done a brilliant job leading the refurbishment, and it’s made a huge difference.
It’s not just about appearances either — it puts us in a much better position to attract functions and events, which are so important in helping bring in extra funds for the club.

Grassroots North Wales

You’ve also had a new Junior astro-wicket installed. How important is this for the club?

Will Owen

It’s a really important step for us. Developing the junior section is a big focus, and thanks to the support from local sponsors we’ve been able to replace the old centre wicket, which had been there for over 25 years.
The new astro will give our juniors a much better surface to train and play on, and hopefully it’ll serve the club well for many years to come.

Grassroots North Wales

Prestatyn have finished bottom of Division 2 for the past two years and have not been in Division 1 since 2019. Are you optimistic that 2026 could be a better year for the club?

Will Owen

It’s been a tough couple of years, but there’s definitely a more positive feel around the club at the moment.
We’ve got some strong players in Ben Hughes, Adam Tidswell and Andy Taylor, and with the returning players added into the mix, there’s a good balance there.
If we can keep everyone fit and available, there’s no reason why we can’t be competitive and push ourselves up the table.
That said, for us it’s just as important to be consistently putting out two senior sides each weekend and making sure everyone is enjoying their cricket — if we can do that, we’ll be in a good place.

PRESTATYN CRICKET CLUB HONOURS

1st XI:
Merseyside and Southport Alliance champions 2005
Liverpool and District Competition First Division runners up: 2007
Liverpool and District Competition Second Division winners: 2014