This year due to Rob Howes (parent duties), Dharmesh (focus on playing) and Shieldsy (retirement) stepping down from their roles as captain, we have a new look captaincy team, all be it some very familiar names.
Rest assured, Rob, Dharmesh and Shieldsy are not lost. Rob is hopeful of retuning later in the season after the birth of his child, Dharmesh will continue to churn out runs wherever he plays, and Shieldsy will undertake perhaps the only role he has yet to undertake at the club, Chairman of Selectors, along with everything else he does around the place. His long suffering wife, is still hopeful of a few weekends away during cricket season.
The captains for 2023/24 are:
1st XI - Ryan Pearson
Ryan Pearson will again lead the first XI, buoyed by the development of the playing group and our new recruits, Ryan is champing at the bit to return the first XI to the top of the table.
2nd XI - Matt Stamps
Matt Stamps has been at the club since the day he was born and has had a playing renaissance of sorts in the last few years. In season 21/22 Matt helped spearhead the 1st XI attack in their finals campaign. In 22/23, Matt’s work commitments meant he played in the 2nd XI but with an easing of his work commitments, Matt has put his hand up to lead the 2nd XI, a testament to his hard work and development. Rumour has it Al, is already helping in the background with the admin duties, compiling a check list and cheat sheet to ensure all is in order.
3rd XI - Ant Howes
Ant is one of the few players who can say they have played across all 5 XI's over the last few years. Ant often plying his trade in the 1st or 2nd XI, whilst captaining the 5th XI on a Sunday. This year Ant has decided that he wants to focus on the development of our young players and has put his hand up to captain the 3rd XI, which we will know he will do with aplomb.
4th XI – Craig “Jono” Johnson
Craig is no stranger to the club being a 1st and 2nd XI premiership player, winning multiple batting awards and a life member, just to name a few accolades. With his son Archer joining the club over the last few years and having dipped his toes into playing again last year, “Jono”, returns and to captain the 4th XI. Jono’s experience and temperament are sure to be great assets to the players coming through. We look forward to hearing him echo the words “Bowling Jono”, as he sends down a few of his mystery balls.