The 2019 Middlesex Development League (MDL) season is upon us. In little more than 10 years the MDL has established itself as a great way to get younger cricketers playing what looks and feels like senior cricket.

This season the Ts find themselves in Group F. That means they'll play five group games, three of which (against Hampton Hill, Brentham and Old Hamptonians) are at home and two are away (versus Fulham CC and Barnes respectively).

The Ts' ethos is very much to play to win, but to make sure that our up and coming cricketers all get the chance to develop their skills. Third XI regular Connor Finney has taken over the management of the side and indeed he'll in all likelihood be leading on the field, too.

The MDL side's first encounter is with near-neighbours Hampton Hill. It is always hard to know what to predict when you play your first game of any campaign, but one thing is clear; the Ts are quietly confident that they are well placed to give this tournament a decent go.

Finney will be looking for the likes of Ajmal Allahdad and Ozzie Qavi - two 18 year olds with real talent - to make their respective marks. Both play good quality Saturday cricket and should excel. The likes of Nikhil Chapaniya and Waris Khan will also be aiming to show what they can do. Former MDL skipper Nikhil Nomula is also in the side on Sunday, as is Sam Cliffe. Finney is certainly putting together an interesting unit.

Sunday's game is a 13h30 kick off. Do pop down and lend the guys your support.