Higgins will lead villagers into battle

GRAHAM Gaiger admits that he isn’t sure what to expect from the new-look Potterne side in the new season after a host of arrivals and departures.

Gaiger, who has stepped down as captain and retired from the first-team, will be replaced by Ryan Higgins in the new Glos/Wilts Division campaign.

Mark Collier and Rikki Jackson have also followed suit by retiring, while Tom Alsop, Alex Hart and Steve Silk have all left the side.

But Potterne have snapped up batsman Clyde Williams from Winsley, Marlborough wicket-keeper George Penfold, spinner Aditya Rai from Westbury, Spye Park’s Jack Bramwell and opening bowler Tom Driver, who is new to the area.

“There are so many ins and outs that I have absolutely no idea how successful the side will be this year,” said Gaiger, who is now head of Potterne’s Cricket Committee.

“But Ryan is one of the more experienced players in the side now – he’s got a young team around him and he’ll be able to mould that how he sees fit.”

Gaiger added: “We finished third last year and it made things look a bit better than they actually where.

“We had a spell where we lost five games in a row midway through the season and that was really disappointing.”

Potterne are due to start their new campaign with a trip to Biddestone.

Mitchell’s the leader

JAMIE Mitchell returns to Biddestone this year and has taken over from Dwaine Perry as first team captain.

Biddestone were runners-up in the Glos/Wilts Division last season and club captain Kris Boulton is backing Mitchell and Perry spearhead his side’s run chase.

“Jamie went up to play for Beverley Town in Yorkshire last season but he’s back now and was a great choice for skipper,” said Boulton.

“We didn’t score enough runs last season but those two will both be able to help us do that this year.”

South African all-rounder Rudi Second has signed on as Biddestone’s overseas player while Mitchell’s side have also snapped up Marshfield’s Imraj Heer.