Bury St Edmunds have again put the emphasis on youth for this season’s East Anglian Premier League, after a few years of struggle to avoid relegation.
Michael Comber, last year’s skipper, will be sorely missed – he has moved to league rivals Frinton – as will the influential Callum Taylor, who has returned to Swardeston.
New captain Sean Park said: “We will obviously miss Michael Comber and Callum Taylor.
“They have been two big players for us, with the bat and ball, and they are obviously difficult to replace.
“But we’ve brought in some more youngsters. Depending on school commitments, young Oxley and Josh Cantrill will be looking to boost their Minor Counties careers with Suffolk by playing with us, perhaps just periodically during the first half of the season.
“They are two youngsters who are keen to extend their cricket careers.
“This fits in with the club’s ethos, while Alastair Allchin has been recruited from Burwell to boost our bowling, and to also contribute with the bat.
“Sean Cooper is back from Worlington, and he will skipper the side to start with, helped by Justin Bishop, while I am away with school duties,” added all-rounder Park, who teaches at Perse School in Cambridgeshire.
In terms of possible title contenders, Park said: “I think Swardeston will once again be the favourites, although I think Frinton also have a chance, as do Copdock.
“Hopefully, we can finish in mid-table, and win a few more than the four games we won last season.”
Bury St Edmunds entertain Great Witchingham in their season opener at the Victory Ground this Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here