ATCC 2002 Season Preview

Atherstone begin their second season in Warwickshire League Division One looking to improve on last year's finish, when both first and second teams finished 9th out of 12, and confident they can do so after a busy winter of player recruitment.

After a season long struggle for both sides during 2001, the first step forward came before the New Year when both captains, Dave Blower (first team) and Adi Williams (second team) agreed to continue for a further year followed quickly by the signing of ex-Nuneaton all rounder Steve Sperry, who has moved back into the area after 6 years in the RAF and whose appearances for various services representative sides suggest he will be a valuable addition for the Adders.

"Steve Sperry...will be a valuable addition for the Adders"

Most of the usual suspects return from last year with leading run scorers Blower and Simon Grayson expected to feature with the bowling attack likely to include last year's leading wicket takers Vic Clements, Steve Healey, Justin Hadley and, after his recovery from a broken arm is complete, Manny Alcock.

"the Ratcliffe Road club finally secured the services of all rounder Noel Gibbons from Bermuda"

After spending the whole winter searching for a coach, which included adverts in both national cricket magazines, and with the new season rapidly approaching, the Ratcliffe Road club finally secured the services of all rounder Noel Gibbons from Bermuda whose status as a UK Passport holder will allow him to play in the Warwickshire League.

'Noel's presence coaching juniors two times a week will be just as important as his well regarded batting skills' comments Atherstone Chairman Vic Clements, 'we know he will make us better as a team but we also have an eye on the future of the club, and we also intend to get him out into the local schools to raise our profile there'.

"relying on the same mix of younger players such as Alan Miller and seasoned veterans such as Geoff Farmer, Stan Riley and Ray Faulkner"

Also on the playing front, young batsman Ryan Steede will travel with Gibbons for a season's experience although which team he will fit into remains to be seen while the return of paceman Joe Begley from working in Portugal will increase the options available to Adi Williams, who will be hoping the increased depth of the squad will allow the reserves to improve their results from last year while still relying on the same mix of younger players such as Alan Miller and seasoned veterans such as Geoff Farmer, Stan Riley and Ray Faulkner.

The club will also be taking part in the Nuneaton Thursday League while there is a full slate of Sunday friendly fixtures and junior sides at U15 and U16 level under the management of junior coaches Mike Brookes and Fiona Walker.

"looking forward optimistically to the season with the Ratcliffe Road ground already looking in good shape"

After a lively winter, the club are looking forward optimistically to the season with the Ratcliffe Road ground already looking in good shape thanks to the efforts of Groundsman Paul Oldham and his assistant Merris Bailey - last season's position of 2nd out of 12 for marks awarded for pitches could well be repeated.

"show the same level of commitment as our Treasurer, Chris Horton, who ran the London Marathon in under 4 hours"

'We've worked hard to put ourselves in a position to have an enjoyable season' adds Clements ' and if we can all show the same level of commitment as our Treasurer, Chris Horton, who ran the London Marathon in under 4 hours, I am sure we will be in good shape!'

Anybody wanting more information should contact Paul Oldham on 01827 880781 or visit the Club's website at www.atcc.co.uk. Warwickshire League action begins this Saturday against Bronze, with the first team at home for a 1.30pm start.