Aldwick aim to sparkle in diamond year

Last summer, the first XI's inability to score large totals cost them dearly and, despite a better all-round bowling display, they rarely had a decent platform to turn into victories.

The second XI, a mixture of colts and senior players, performed well above all expectations.

After being in the top two for most of the season, they fell away at the end but finished a creditable fourth.

The performances of many colts bodes well for the future.

The Sunday XI performed well and a mixture of colts and seniors saw the team have their best season for many years.

The club went on tour to Kent and despite poor weather they produced mixed results against strong opposition.

For the 2008 season '“ which is the club's diamond year '“ prolific run- scorer Joel Lodge was voted in as captain while all-rounder Andy Atkins was voted in as vice-captain.

Dave Robinson was again voted in as captain of the second XI, while Richard Galvin was voted in as his vice-captain.

The Sunday captain and vice-captain remain unchanged with Peter Craddock in charge and Nathan Belcher his vice-skipper. Youngster Keelan Belcher was voted in midweek captain.

The club have acquired the services of South African all-rounder Matt Tofield, who has been playing league cricket back home. He is due to be arriving at the end of March.

For the 2008 season, the club are touring at Bournemouth and the New Forest for the first time at the end of June, staying for the week in Poole and playing games every day.

There are several vacancies available for the week's festivities.

The Saturday season gets under way on April 12 away to neighbours Stirlands.

A week later, the first XI play Pagham while the second XI start their season against West Wittering.

On April 26, the first XI play their final friendly against Bognor while the seconds play against Rottingdean.

Both teams' division-two campaign in the Sussex Invitation League gets under way on May 3.

Indoor nets have already started for the club on Sunday mornings from 9am to 11am at Bognor's Arena sports centre, where the club has use of a bowling machine as well as ordinary practice facilities.

All exisitng members plus any prospective new ones are welcome to attend.

For further information about the club and the coming season, contact Jim Smith on 01243 267041.