GOATACRE have a new first X1 captain for the first time in 16 years this summer as they bid to bounce back from the disappointment of relegation Gloucester and Wiltshire Division One last season.

Kevin Iles, the club's leading run maker and wicket taker last term, stood down from the post he had held since 1986 at the end of the season, with batsman Peter Turner taking over the reins.

Goatacre, the 1999 Wiltshire League champions, were relegated after just a single season in Division One last season and are hoping to repeat the feat they achieved two years ago and win promotion from Division Two at the first time of asking.

They begin the new campaign at home to Wiltshire rivals Purton on Saturday.

Club secretary Eddie Jenkinson believes such an achievement is possible and is particularly looking forward to locking horns with newly-promoted neighbours Marlborough in Division Two.

Said Jenkinson: "We have a reasonable chance. If we start the way we finished off last year then I'm sure we'll be okay.

"We made a bad start last year, and then the weather came in and disrupted games when we were in a winning position. It was a disappointing season for us. We lost more games last year than in any previous league season. It just took us a few games to get used to the higher standard after winning promotion.

"But I think we won four of our last six games and, if we'd have played like that all the way through, then we'd have stayed there."

One thing that might hinder Goatacre for the second season running is that promising youngsters Matthew Wilkins, Matthew Cave and Paul Henley will all be away at University for the opening weeks of the season.

All three have benefited from the club's emphasis on youth, as has Jonathan Wilkins, who starred for the Wiltshire under 16s side last season and will play first X1 cricket again for Goatacre in the summer.

Said Jenkinson: "A lot of youngsters that came through the youth policy are starting to play a more prominent role. The player we're looking for this year in particular is Jonathan."

Aside from the influential Iles, Jenkinson hopes opener Scott Curwood and new skipper Turner will score the runs to clinch promotion.

He said: "Peter Turner's form with the bat will be crucial, while the other lad is Scott Curwood. He joined us last year and is probably the best bat at the club. One of the reasons we did well in the second half of last season is that he picked up with the bat a bit. The good thing is he's a useful bowler as well."

This summer will signal the end of an era on two fronts. The first is Iles' decision to stand down as skipper, while batsman Mark Hunt leaves after 12 years to rejoin Chippenham.

Said Jenkinson: "Mark has been a great servant for us and played in both Lord's wins. He's going back to Chippenham and we wish him well."

The club's designs on the National Village Championship, the Sunday competition they won at Lord's in 1988 and 1990, mean they will operate once more without an overseas player again this season.

Competition rules forbid the entry of any club possessing a paid cricketer from abroad. Their opening game sees them host Little Durnford and Fonthill Park on May 12. Said Jenkinson: "Winning it always requires a combination of good luck and good performances. The early rounds are weather affected, so you could end up bowling at a single stump to decide the winner."