THE Groves CC will be under new leadership when the 2013 campaign gets under way in April.
Last season’s skipper Martin Flanagan has stepped down after a year in the role and will be replaced by vice-captain Mike Caulfield.
The change was announced at The Groves AGM, where it was also confirmed that 2nds skipper Jon Ball is standing down and will be replaced by Neil Powell.
Flanagan will remain on the club’s management committee and Ball will also stay involved.
Groves chairman Mark Evans said: “We were relieved and ultimately delighted that the club managed to retain its status in Division Three of the Cheshire League and as exciting as it is, we could do without a third consecutive year of late drama.
“The club is in a relatively healthy state and I want to extend thanks to Martin and Jon for their work over the time that they were captain. It’s good to know that they will remain involved and committed to the future of the club.”
New skipper Caulfield said: “It’s a privilege to captain the club that I’ve been associated with for a considerable time and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“The key priority for me is to keep the established players that we’ve got but at the same time look to bring in some new blood that will strengthen the club.
“We also need to hit the ground running and not leave ourselves with a mountain to climb in the second half of the season, as has been the case in the last two seasons.”
Pre-season preparations begin on Saturday, March 2 when indoor nets start at Queen’s Park High School, Chester (10am-11.30am). There are six sessions until the season begins on April 20. New players are welcome.
Last season The Groves held a number of successful quiz nights. The latest takes place at The Groves Sports and Social Club on Saturday.
