Fresh faces give Frocester edge (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fresh faces give Frocester edge

THE mantle maybe pitched on youth, but one veteran campaigner is set to play a major role at Frocester this season.

Eric Woodmason, 46, has worked his way back into contention after going through an ECB Level 3 coaching course under the guidance of former Northants bowler Andy Pick.

"Andy recommended minor amendments to my action and it has certainly added significant speed to my delivery,"admitted Woodmason.

Skipper Nick Trainor has pin-pointed promotion to Premier One.

"We will try and get promoted," said Trainor.

The skipper, who plundered more than 1,000 runs in competitive cricket is hoping his talented side will stay focused.

"We must not get complacent, but promotion is our aim after finishing fifth last season."

A raft of fresh signings have walked through the Frocester pavilion.

Former Gloucestershire duo Alistair Bressington and Steve Pope have switched from Cheltenham.Bressington will spearhead the attack with Ben Gannon.

Meanwhile, Jamie Rendall, who captained Knowle and plays Minor Counties cricket for Wiltshire will also feature.

A real coup for Frocester is the surprise capture of Mike Lewis, 18, a Zimbabwe Under-19s wicketkeeper.

"Mike turned up at nets and it has been a real bonus to get him on board, he will be our oversees player this season," added Trainor.

"We're all looking forward to the season and the team is looking really strong, the fact that all of the team have played representative cricket is a big plus."

Meanwhile, Dave Richardson again skippers the 2nd X1, who visit their Lansdown counterparts.

Jason Edgeworth, newly arrived from Bourton Vale, is included in a team packed with familiar names with plenty of experience and ability.

The 3rd X1, newly promoted to County League Division Three, are captained by Dave Whincup, who replaces the ineligible Lewis for the cup match against Sully, and are away to Tetbury.

Whincup is joined by his long-term first team colleagues, John Evans and Chris Pritchard.

Nick Bird returns from his travels, whilst Chris Partridge and Seb Choudhury add further experience.

Promising young cricketers Richie Cave, Seb Dix, Jack Purchase, Ben Ellis and Sam Birch bring balance to the team.

Mark Hearne once again captains the 4th team in his own inimitable style and, with two league victories under his belt already, is hopeful of a successful season.

Frocester start the Premier Two league programme with a home fixture against Lansdown this Saturday and on Sunday, last year's Village KO champions and South Wales Premier One winners, Sully Centurions, are the visitors to Pounds Close in the first-round of the Cockspur Cup.