Perrin quits county after Lord's snub (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Perrin quits county after Lord's snub

FORMER Wiltshire cricket captain Steve Perrin has quit the county after being dropped by for the Minor Counties Knockout Trophy final at Lord's on Monday.

Chippenham Town goalkeeper Perrin, 34, claims he has still not had a phone call telling him of the decision.

The only contact he has had with the team management was a test from captain Russell Rowe.

He said: "I don't think I could have done more for the county if I tried. I wanted a little bit of honesty and respect but I got absolutely none of it.

"What a way to go out of your Wiltshire career. That's it. It's not even a consideration anymore."

Perrin, who played in July's semi-final against Cornwall, was dropped in favour of opening batsman Kevin Blackburn.

He has represented Wiltshire for 16 years, making 101 appearances, and despite not playing much this season he questioned the decision to pick him for the Cornwall match.

"It's really disappointing. I expected to be in the starting line up after I was told I would be and I had not heard anything different until I called (Wiltshire vice captain and friend) Neil Shardlow for a non-cricketing reason and found out."

Wiltshire coach Alan Crouch said it had been a tough decision.

He said: "The selectors thought it was better to go with a specialist opening batsman. Steve's only had one game for us so it was difficult for us to assess his form. Someone was going to be disappointed but knowing Steve if he had played he would not have let Wiltshire down because he is a big game player."

Perrin replied: "Because they said I was selected my football club, who I have been with two months, had been outstanding and allowed me the opportunity to play. But my club I have been with 16 years and gave up every summer for has not treated me well.

"Obviously I wish all the best to all the Wiltshire players. I have no issue with them and I still want them to go there and win the trophy."

Corsham captain Shardlow said he was disappointed as he was hoping to share the day with Perrin.

"All I would say is in any one-day side I would have Steve as one of the first names on my list. I was led to believe we were looking to take the same 12 (as against Cornwall) but there was a team meeting at Shropshire and I think Steve's lack of cricket went against him."

Wiltshire's loss is to be Chippenham Town's gain as Perrin will now play in Monday's game at Team Bath.

Manager and brother Darren Perrin said: "From a professional point of view as a manager I am delighted to have Steve with us. But it is a scandalous decision not to take him."