LYDNEY'S young cricketers are taking the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire League by storm this season and gathered another massive points haul on Saturday when they defeated Marshfield by four wickets.
It may be too early to forecast, but the team could be in with a chance of promotion at the end of the summer.
"It's much too soon to make that sort of judgment," said cautious coach Bob Park. "But the players are very keen and they will be sure to give it a go."
Park says the club's policy of bringing on young players is paying off.
"On Saturday the First X1 included eight players aged 22 and under with the youngest – playing on merit – Will Jones, who is only 15," he said.
Park said the club's second team had been in great form and were being strongly tipped for promotion.
"We have some young players of real ability in both teams. It is highly unusual to have such a young captain as Johnny Kear who is only 20, but he is looked up to by the rest of the team," said Park.
Chasing a Marshfield total of 138 for 8, Lydney were at one stage struggling on 60 for 4. However they were guided home by Luke Bishop who scored 40 not out and Will Jones who contributed 24 not out.
"Will came into the side as a replacement against Gloucester the previous week when we won chasing a total of 275. He is a sharp left-handed pace bowler and took 3 for 20 so he was selected on merit and this time came up trumps with the bat," said Park.