The secret is out after Lechlade’s long leap

LECHLADE’S meteoric rise shows no sign of stopping – according to club chairman Arthur Jupp.

Promoted three times in the last five years, Lechlade now find themselves in the West of England Premier League alongside powerhouses like Bristol and Bath.

But the village side will not be cowed by their illustrious surroundings and with a couple of new signings on the pitch and new sponsors off it, Jupp is adamant his side can continue to upset the odds.

“Having watched the first team perform against the odds and win WEPL Premier Two with a team whose average age was just 20, it was clear to me that we were the best kept cricketing secret in the West of England,” said Jupp.

“To now be competing in the same league as Bristol and Bath is an incredible achievement for a town of our size.

“What also struck me was the enormous amount of work we had to do off the field to get our infrastructure to match our on-field success.

“We needed to raise the profile of the club locally and beyond.

“It is an extremely exciting time for the cricket club both on and off the pitch and we want as many people from the local community to be part of it, whether they be players, members, supporters or volunteers.”

Lechlade’s new signings include 18-year-old batsman Ollie Forbes and an opening fast bowler from Yorkshire, Chris Harwood, 21 while they also have new nets and covers installed at the club.