I came to Newport in December 2002 from Pakistan. Being a cricket fan, my first search for a cricket club began at Google.

The first search result (at that time) for 'Newport cricket clubs' came up with Newport Fugitives Cricket Club. I joined the club for the summer of 2003. I played for the club for two years and found it great club and great experience. All teammates were friendly and helpful.In the summer of 2004, I could not play many games and also felt like I was not having enough opportunity to fully express what I am capable of.

Another factor, which was creating little bit of stress for me, was integration with the community. All the players of the club were friendly and helpful but I was finding it bit difficult to communicate and integrate, as it was a completely new experience for me to play cricket in a new country.

In the winter of 2004, I started looking for another local cricket club. This time Google search came up with Newport Cricket Club (NCC) as the first result.

I emailed Mike Knight (who is the second's team captain) to inquire about joining the club. An immediate reply from Mike Knight was encouraging. I started the nets with the new club.

I found many local players - Newport Fugitives has its nets/ground at High Cross while Newport Cricket Club has its nets/ground Spytty Park. I live near Spytty Park that's why it felt local to me, although it doesn't really matter. Mike Knight and Dave Knight were very supportive and encouraging.

At nets I met lots of new people, among those were few Asians players as well. I met Omer at nets. Omer was in the process of establishing a midweek team.

So I joined Omer with others and we established a new midweek team with the name of Newport Asians Cricket Club - www.newportasians.net (NACC).

The good thing about club is that we have players from Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi community, although players from any ethnic background are welcome to join the club.

In the summer of 2005, I played few games for the NCC first team and majority of the games were for 2nds team. A great experience and worth switching the club.

The NCC 2nds finished 3rd in the league table. NACC won the midweek league and midweek cup in the summer of 2005 and we are hoping to produce the same results in the summer of 2006. We are hoping to portray a positive and constructive image of the club in general and Asian community in particular.

My experience in Wales has been excellent. I have met some fantastic people, whether playing cricket or working. Wales has provided me so many opportunities for which I am grateful and thank all the people I have met so far for the support and encouragement.

Nazir Ahmed - Newport - February 2006