TROWBRIDGE: NEW captain Ali Goddard will be looking to build on last season's successes when he leads Trowbridge out for the first time tomorrow.

Goddard found himself unexpectedly thrust into the captain's job when work commitments forced elected skipper Ali Beard to stand down before the campaign got underway.

"I didn't expect to be captain, but when it was offered I was delighted to accept. I see it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance," said Goddard, whose father Malcolm is a former Trowbridge captain.

Winning the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two title last season ended a torrid few seasons for Trowbridge, who have been hit by players moving on to to other clubs.

Key players Richard Greatorex and Mike Beel have both moved on to Corsham this season, but Goddard believes the club now has a rosy future.

He said: "As first team captain and organiser of the youth section I would like to think I can pull all parts of the club together.

"If every batsman can add five or 10 runs to his average and every bowler takes five more wickets than last season, then we should be okay."

Trowbridge open their campaign with a home game against Colwall tomorrow.