Bourton Vale CC loses Lazenbury to a back injury (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Bourton Vale CC loses Lazenbury to a back injury

A BACK injury to ex-Glo'shire and Kent opener Paul Lazenbury, mid-way through 2004, has meant an enforced change of captaincy for Bourton Vale CC this season as his problem still persists.

However, new captain Nick Ander-son, an all rounder, is no stranger to the club having played with them since he was almost 12 years old.

His vice-captain, Cheltenham Rugby Club centre Mark Whitney, started with the Vale club at the same time as Nick.

He is, however, going to miss the start of the season due to a rugby commitment in America.

Bourton's overseas player this season will be all-rounder James Winstanly, from Christchurch, New Zealand.

He comes with a good reputation as an opening bat and a lively open or first-change bowler.

Opening the bowling with Winstanly will be Glo'shire U19s and Oxfordshire county player Ryan Newhook.

Newhook made great progress last season, taking a hat-trick for Oxfordshire in his first match.

Rob Pike will also be there in the fast-bowling department, having had a good 2004 season, while left-arm spinner Greg Shepherd will give balance to the bowling attack.

On the batting front, Max Brown will have the experience and with him will be Mark Whitney, Cheltenham hockey player Alex Fateh, newcomer Brendan Rabbit and, hopefully, 18-year-old South African de Wett Van Der Walt, who now lives in England and is not considered to be an overseas player.

De Wett has played one provincial match for Griqualand. The Kimberley player is an all rounder and likely to be an exciting prospect.

Another newcomer will be John Griffin, a wicket-keeper currently studying at Loughborough University.

Bourton Vale are looking to improve on last year's position after finishing third in Division One of the Cherwell League.