Trainor's team must step up to the plate (From Stroud News and Journal)

Trainor's team must step up to the plate

FROCESTER captain Nick Trainor insists his star-studded side should make a good fist of life in Premier One as they open their campaign at home to Corsham (12.30pm).

Trainor, 30, a former Gloucestershire batsman, guided his side to Premier Two glory last season and will hope hisPounds Close outfit can carry the momentum into the forthcoming campaign.

He said: "After an uncertain start last season we went from strength to strength and became more of a team towards the end of the campaign. "We have set our stall out to consolidate, but we will try and win every game."

On the playing front, the heart of the first team squad remains unchanged, with Trainor, Paul Lazenbury, Ali Bressington, Ed Bressington, Nathan Bressington Adam Robson, Ashley Davis, Ben Gannon and Pete Church remaining at Pounds Close. Teenage pace bowler Richie Cave, 17, could also feature after his impressive performances for Gloucestershire Under-19s.

Meanwhile, Jamie Rendall has taken the position of player/coach at ambitious Chipping Sodbury, whilst Steve Pope has been signed by Surrey. However, a top class replacement in the form of Louis Gegg, 17, will take Pope's place. Last season Gegg, a Gloucestershire A player, was at Lansdown in Premier Two.

Trainor wintered in South Africa with Cape Town Premier League side Rygersdal and returned with 18-year-old batsmen Darren Geldenuys, who will be Frocester's overseas signing.