Ahead of the start of the East Anglian Premier League season tomorrow, here is your guide to the five Suffolk clubs, and their respective captains’ hopes for the new campaign.
Sudbury
Last season: Two Counties Championship Division One champions
Captain: Darren Batch (pictured)
Main new signings: Dustin Melton (overseas player, from South Africa), Ben Tippett (from Bury)
Captain’s corner: “We’re under no illusions about this season. It’s going to be tough because it’s a big step up from the Two Counties. Our first goal will be to establish ourselves, and secure our place in the league, but we will be setting our sights on finishing as the top Suffolk side. That is our goal for the season.” - Darren Batch
First match: v Frinton (away)
Frinton
Last season: 2nd in EAPL with 376pts
Captain: Kyran Young (pictured)
Main new signings: Murray Commins (overseas player, South African)
Captain’s corner: “I think it will be a lot harder this season. People know a lot more about us. My plan this year is to promote the youth up the ranks, to give them a chance, so there will be places up for grabs.” - Kyran Young
First match: v Sudbury (home)
Woolpit
Last season: 11th in EAPL with 251pts
Captain: Craig Estlea (pictured)
Main new signings: Jonathan Steele (from Mildenhall), Karl Holmes (from Mildenhall), Chris Wells (from Easton), James Holmes (from East Bergholt), Ben Cooper (Dutch international)
Captain’s corner: “I’m targeting a better season for the club, and I honestly feel that we have a better side this year. Hopefully, we won’t be struggling at the bottom again.” - Craig Estlea
First match: v Norwich (away)
Bury St Edmunds
Last season: 9th in EAPL with 282pts
Captain: Mike Comber (pictured)
Main new signings: Dominic Manthorpe (from Hadleigh), Callum Taylor (from Essex), Alfie Marston (from Worlington), David Coyle (from Norfolk Alliance cricket)
Captain’s corner: “Hopefully, we can have a good season throughout, instead of playing catch-up after a slow start. I actually think we could be title contenders, because we have a lot of positives going for us.” - Michael Comber
First match: v Great Witchingham (away)
Copdock and Old Ipswichian
Last season: 5th in EAPL with 356pts
Captain: Tom Rash (pictured)
Main new signings: Dewald Botha (overseas player, from Boland, South Africa), Andy Northcote (from Woolpit)
Captain’s corner: “We finished fifth last season, having been up there competing for most of the year, and we would like to do the same this time. However, we also have to stay grounded, because we will have quite a young, inexperienced team for the first half of the summer.” - Tom Rash
First match: v Burwell (home)
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