Cricket: West Sussex Invitation League teams ready for first ball

ACTION in the West Sussex Invitation League gets under way for another summer this weekend and there are numerous Observer-area teams looking for honours across the divisions.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Apr 2012, 14:52 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:46 BST

Selsey will bid for glory in division one following promotion from division two last summer, while Eastergate are among the sides they’ve left behind in the second tier.

Aldwick have a first and second XV in division four and eight respectively.

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There are three local teams in division six – West Wittering, who were promoted last year, Chichester Priory Park III and Eastergate II.

Selsey’s seconds take their place in division nine, while West Wittering’s seconds and Chichester’s fourth team do battle in division ten.

Here we profile a couple of the teams whose Invitation League reports will appear regularly in the Observer.

* If you’re a local team playing in the league, feel free to send in reports – they should be no more than 150 words and should arrive with us at [email protected] by 5pm Monday. Teams who send in reports on a regular basis will get a visit from an Observer photographer.

Aldwick

Division: 4

Finished last season: 4th

Realistic aim for this season: Top two

Captain: Keelan Belcher

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News: There are no changes to squad – quality batsman Joel Lodge, whose highest score in 2011 was 110, is vice-captain. Talented youngster Alex Cooper has moved up from the second XI to secure a regular place in the first team. Aldwick started well in 2011 then fell away. They plan to start well in 2012 – and finish well too.

West Wittering

Division: 6

Finished last season: 2nd in div seven

Realistic aim: Promotion

Captain: Carl Tupper

Players in: B Dolden (scorer), R Thomas, D Roche.

Players out: None

News: The club now have an electronic scoreboard, covers, new nets and a renovated pavilion after a successful Natwest Cricket Force Day.

Aldwick II

Division: 8

Finished last season: 9th in div seven, relegated

Realistic aim: Top four

Captain: Arthur Bradbury

News: No changes to squad apart from a couple of players now at university and returning later on, including Jonny Knapp. New captain this year is the very experienced Arthur Bradbury, who has played the game at a good standard and will no doubt instill a winning mentality in his young team. Last year was a poor one for the twos but with Bradbury’s experience and the developing skills of the younger players, if they get off to a good start things can only get better and they may surprise some fancied teams.

West Wittering II

Division: 10

Finished last season: Didn’t exist!

Realistic aim: Fulfil all fixtures and get the young players playing league cricket

Captain: Ian Jones

Players in: Too many to mention.

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