Sodbury 'buzzing' ahead of top-flight return

CHIPPING Sodbury go into the new cricket season “absolutely buzzing” ahead of the opening round of league matches on May 6.

That’s the verdict of first team captain Jamie Rendell, as Sodbury aim to build on last summer’s promotion from the Gloucestershire County League back to the West of England Premier League, the region’s leading competition.

Rendell said: “We’ve had a good winter and we’re now ready and raring to go.

“We’ve recruited well, thanks to the arrival of players such as Jamie Wakefield, Ollie Louch and Dan Peachey, while we’re delighted that India A batsman Jiwanjot Singh will be returning after an exceptional first season with us.

“All-rounder Eddie Holden spent the winter playing in New Zealand gaining important experience, and we’re excited to see how he goes this season with both bat and ball.

“Our indoor nets have been very well attended and players have been absolutely buzzing at outdoor practice, so we can’t wait for those first games.”

The first XI open up with a home WEPL Gloucestershire division date on May 6 against Tewkesbury, while the 2nd XI face a testing trip to their Dumbleton counterparts in Division Four of the Gloucestershire County League.

Rendell added: “It’s a big season for the 2nds. We really want to see them push hard at the top of their division this year, while we’re keen to see our 3rds and 4ths, which are both developmental sides, also make progress, with members of our junior section taking important first steps at senior level.”

Sodbury also run a Sunday side, a midweek team that competes in the Bristol T20 League, a full array of junior

Home senior fixtures

sides, from under-9s through to under-15s, as well as providing cricket for girls and women.

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome: visit www. chippingsodburycc.co.uk for details.

The club is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ chippingsodburycc and Twitter @ChipSodCC

Steve Hill

May 6: Sodbury 1sts v Tewkesbury, 3rds v Hambrook 2nds.

May 7: Sodbury Women v Frenchay Women; Sunday XI v Cam.

May 10: Midweek XI v Downend.

May 13: Sodbury 2nds v Woodmancote, Sodbury 4ths v Bristol 4ths.

May 20: Sodbury 2nds v Cranham, Sodbury 3rds v OB Westbury 3rds.

May 27: Sodbury 1sts v Stroud, 4ths v Coalpit Heath 3rds.

May 28: Sunday XI v Kingswood Villagers.