Second tier is uncharted territory
West Chiltington & Thakeham CC are in uncharted territory this season.
After winning Division 3 West last season, they venture into Division 2 of the Sussex League for the first time in their history.
It is comfortably the highest position the club has found itself in. When two village cricket clubs merged in 2001, West Chiltington had been playing in Division 3 of the old West Sussex League, Thakeham CC barely playing friendly fixtures.
This young side were coached last season by Matt Machan.
Last season’s marquee signing, Martyn Swift, has taken on the captaincy and the club have added Louis Storey, Jack Smith, Julian Hunt and Jordan Palmer-Goddard (player-coach) to its ranks.
The return of 2019 overseas star South African Morne Louw will add options.
Machan has taken a step back from the playing side and Chilt will hope young batsman-keeper Charlie Tear is available. He has been playing in the Under-19 World Cup and for Sussex twos.
New captain Swift said: “We’re very excited. There was a buzz around the club last season and we’re taking that positivity into the new season.
“We’re a young team but there is plenty of talent and hopefully we can cause a few upsets. We want to win games of cricket and we’ll be playing to win. The new signings add some useful experience at this level and I’m confident we have the squad to do well.”
The second XI will be looking to cement their position in Division 5 West and the third XI move up to Division 9 West.
The fourth XI is the breeding ground for youngsters.
Men’s and women’s Sussex Slam cricket will return at the Rec this summer. The women will also play 40-over hardball and more relaxed softball cricket and a veterans’ side have a number of fixtures for a more leisurely approach.