Wisbech prepare for momentous first-ever season in East Anglian Premier League
Wisbech Cricket Club are shortly to
begin a momentous season, playing in the East Anglian Premier League for the very first time.
To get all the news from Harecroft Road ahead of this exciting campaign, the best person to ask is their skipper James Williams. James, the former Cambridgeshire captain, will be leading the club for the fourth year in a row, and he believes eighth year in total.
You secured promotion to the East Anglian Premier League in September when you defeated Fakenham in the play-off final. When did preparations for this historic season for the club begin and what have they involved on and off the field?
“They began pretty quickly to be honest. We had to look to build on the squa, but as I mentioned before I didn’t want to bring in too many new faces, it is only fair that the squad that got us to the EAPL have a good go at it. It has been a busy winter of preparation with training.
“Organising caterers for games, which our brilliant bar staff Lisa Jackson and Charlie Muscat who cater for the hockey season, will be catering for us as well which is great.
“We have had to look for new potential sponsors and also organising livestreams for our games.”
It has certainly been a busy winter. Have you made any new signings?
“George Bruce (Downham Stow CC) and Ryan Clark will be returning.”
What are the other teams in the East Anglian Premier League and what counties do they represent?
“Bury St Edmunds, Copdock, Frinton on Sea, Horsford, Mildenhall, Saffron Walden Sawston, Sudbury, Swardeston, Great Witchingham and Witham, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.”
What challenges will the playing conditions (please explain in your answer) pose to the team?
“There is a lot of money being spent on some top overseas and local players and there are some big names coming to play in the EAPL this year, but that is why we wanted to go up.
“We wanted to play against the best players and go to some great grounds as well. We have some great talent in our team and I really think this challenge will bring the best out of them.
“And on match day to the club I.e, lunches. We have one of the best grounds and wickets in the area and we rely on our amazing volunteers to keep it to those standards so making sure we support them the best we can is really important.
“Lisa Jackson and Charlie Muscat have very kindly said they will cater for our games, and we are very excited to see what’s on the menu each week.”
When are your first games of the season?
“MCC 2-day game April 5-6 (weather dependant). Friendly against Spalding 8th. Both 11am starts.”
When is your first East Anglian Premier League game?
“Witham at home Saturday April 15, 11am start.”
What are your hopes for the 1st XI in the EAPL and the other X!’s? Is survival the priority for the 1 st XI?
“We obviously don’t want to just be in the EAPL for one season, so survival is very important but for me I want the players to enjoy the challenge.
“We have players in our team that have played a very good level of cricket and this will be a challenge for everyone but we will enjoy the ride.
“With the 2nd XI it would be great to see them promoted back in to Whiting Division 3 and some of those players pushing hard for a spot on the 1st XI.
“With the 3rd and 4th XI again it would be great to see some success by the means of winning games, but for me it’s great that we give the opportunity to our junior players to experience adult cricket and progress through the club, just like so many of us have done in the past.”
Are there any players we should particularly look out for?
“George Gowler is obviously one, but I think our new signing George Bruce is one to look out for.
“He is bowling seriously quick at the minute and I think he will enjoy the environment he is in and do really well.
“Gary Freear is another one I would keep an eye out for. We have always wanted to get the club to the EAPL and I know he is keen to get some runs in this league.”
And for you personally? You are probably going to play against some clubs you have not played against in your long career?
“I haven’t played against a lot of these clubs or been to these grounds so it will be really refreshing to play somewhere different but I am excited to see what this group of players can do in this league.
“It will be a test for everyone but it’s an exciting one.
“For me I really want to contribute as much as I can with the bat.
“I know I have been far below the standard I should be for the last few years and I hope that will change with this new challenge ahead.”
Will you miss the local derby against March Town CC?
“It is always a great game between the two teams, it is great to have that local rivalry each year and we will miss it.”
It’s a double Ashes summer - what are your predictions for the men’s and women’s sides?
“Tough one. I think the men’s team will win in a tight contest.
“It will be interesting to see how BazBall goes against the aussies. The women’s team again I think it will be tough for them.
“The Australian women’s team is one of the best sporting teams in the world at the minute in terms of success.
“I think it will be a great series and England will have to play unbelievably well to beat them.”
