The 34-year-old all-rounder proved a big hit on his return to the club in 2021, and his appointment is a further indication of how he has turned his life around following a well-documented gambling addiction.
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| Patrick Foster celebrates a wicket against Amersham last year. Picture: Rob Judges |
Foster was an inspirational figure last season, having been a key member of the Horspath side which enjoyed notable success from 2012 until he left in 2017.
In his first spell at the Recreation Ground, he helped the side capture the Home Counties Division 2 title in 2016 as well as being promoted as runners-up in 2014 and winning the Cherwell League in 2013.
His best season with the ball came in 2014, taking 36 wickets at an impressive average of just 11.61, including 7-38 against Cove.
In a limited campaign last year, his seam bowling was as tidy as ever, taking 16 wickets at an average of 16.19.
But his batting - which had always been steady - was a revelation as he took it to another level with several displays of destructive hitting.
He cracked 285 league runs at an average of 47.50 included a dashing unbeaten 91 off 58 balls in a crushing 164-run victory at home to Burnham.
However, the highlight of his season came in the Voneus Village Cup fifth round when he hammered a phenomenal 113 not out from 75 deliveries in the four-wicket defeat at Ynystawe.
Having played first-class cricket for Durham UCCE and also had spells with Northants Academy and clubs including Spencer (Surrey), Harpenden and Teddington, he has a wealth of experience.
Director of cricket Will Eason said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Patrick Foster will lead our 1st team. His performances in both of his spells with the club have galvanised the team. He never gives anything but 100 per cent, as well as being a natural leader.
"I'm so pleased that Lloyd Belcher had the opportunity to captain the 1st team. He showed great leadership throughout his reign, and winning the Oxfordshire section of the Village Cup under his guidance will always be remembered."
Max Smith takes over the reins as 2nd team captain in Cherwell League Division 2, while Ryan Hicks will skipper the 3rd XI in Division 3A.
Craig Wharton remains in charge of the 4th XI in Division 5C where the emphasis will again be on providing opportunities for the club's talented youth players to step into senior cricket.
Will added: "Firstly I'd like to thank all our outgoing captains from 2021. Jamie Stead did an outstanding job with the 3s, as well as Alex Thomas in the 2s, which is always a tough side to lead, and so reliant on the first-team availability.
"Max Smith was very keen when he found out that the 2s role was vacant, and has a good cricket brain. Ryan Hicks will now lead the 3s. He has shown a lot of maturity in captaining Sunday fixtures, as well as being a key figure over the last few years in that side. Craig Wharton will continue in his role leading the 4th team, which he has been superb at."
Meanwhile, indoor nets have been organised at Oxford Brookes University, Headington on Sundays, February 27, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 (12-2pm). Contact Will Eason for more details.
Posted by: Russ