LLOYD Belcher is to captain Horspath again in the Home Counties Premier League this season.
The left-arm spinner took over as skipper for the first time last year, leading the side to a creditable eighth place in the pooled league and semi-final places in the John Goodman Plate and Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup. |
| Horspath's captains for the 2021 campaign |
Alex Thomas takes over the reins as 2nd team captain in Cherwell League Division 2. The wicket-keeper/batsman has contributed both runs and with the gloves in recent seasons. A member of the Oxford University Authentics, Alex also provides a link to the students' side.
Jamie Stead, who led the 4th XI to top spot in Tier 5A of the restructured league last season, steps up to captain the 3rd XI in Division 4A. The experienced batsman, who achieved the rare feat of not being out all season while scoring 383 runs in five innings, will be looking to help continue the progress of the youngsters who shone under his leadership last term.
Craig Wharton, who missed last season but had captained the 3rd XI in previous years, will skipper the 4th XI in Division 6B. With his experience of running junior training sessions, he will be seeking to pave the way for the club's talented youth players to step into senior cricket.
Will Eason continues in his role as director of cricket, and he said: "I am delighted with the personnel we have leading our four league sides for the 2021 season.
"Lloyd had an excellent start to his captaincy reign, in what was an ideal time to take over with the way the league was structured.
"Our 2nd team have under-performed in general for the last six seasons or so. I think the side has been pretty unsettled and, in my opinion, that is mainly due to the turnover of captains, and that not just being season-by-season, but also week-by-week due to that individual being promoted to the 1st team. Alex's commitment to matchdays, training and his overall availability will add some stability and continuity to the side.
"With Jamie and Craig swapping roles with the 3s and 4s, this will allow Jamie to help push players through the side with his own experiences of playing Home Counties cricket, as well as the runs he will contribute.
"Craig is the ideal person to captain the 4s. His role in running the junior training sessions will help identify any youngsters that may be ready for adult cricket and allow a smooth transition with a familiar face for them when integrating into senior cricket."
Meanwhile, the club's annual general meeting is due to
take place online using Zoom on Sunday, January 31 (11am). Further details,
including the link for the online meeting, will be circulated to members in the
coming days.
Posted by: Russ