WINSLEY: A FIRE which destroyed the club's pavilion at the weekend will not stop Winsley starting the new league season tomorrow.

The blaze, which police believe was started deliberately, caused about £50,000 worth of damage and the club has now launched an appeal fund to raise money to replace the 28-year-old building and equipment lost in the fire.

But tomorrow's opening Bristol and North Somerset league match at home to Nailsea definitely goes ahead, said club chairman Peter Cross.

"The timing could hardly be worse, but we are not going to let this stop us playing cricket," said Cross.

Skipper John Spencer now faces the task of lifting the team's spirits on the field, but agrees with his chairman that the game must go on.

He said: "We finished fourth last year and this season we will be looking to do better than that. A top-three finish is what we are looking for."

Much again will depend on the form of overseas player Kumal More, who returns to Winsley for a third season. The all-rounder will bat at three and provide variation to the bowling attack with his left arm spinners.

Newcomers this season include Richard Witts, an experienced opening batsman, who has moved from Goatacre, and former Cirencester batsman Andy Ellett.

"The newcomers will give us some competition for places and selection is going to be more difficult," said Spencer.

Andy Cross will again be running the club's youth section, with teams at under nines and under 11s level.

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help the club with equipment, or who wants to support the fighting fund is asked to contact Peter Cross on: (01225) 862831.