A BRIGHT start to the cricket season has turned sour for the village team at Aylburton – having gained promotion they are facing the grim prospect of tumbling straight back to whence they came.

"We were doing reasonably well early on," reflected captain Keith Davis.

"We were about fourth in our division of the County League but hit a snag when other commitments meant that for one Saturday we were unable to field a team. In our previous league that would not have been such a problem but in this league it meant we were docked 22 points. We went straight to the bottom of the league and we have been there even since."

Cheltenham and Gloucester League champions last season, Aylburton reflected hard on whether or not to take promotion.

"All the players wanted it so we decided to give it a go. But in the close season we lost some influential players and we are now not as competitive as we were. But we are still enjoying our cricket and having some fun," said Davis, who is in his fourth season as club captain.

"We have to rely on older, more experienced players and a sprinkling of youngsters such as Danny Field who is a regular although he is only13."

This season the experienced Jeremy Williams, a former Lydney player of note, is leading the batting averages. He has a highest score of 86.

Keith Davis, with a best knock of 49 not out and an average of 33, is also doing well as is his twin brother, Steve.

The leading wicket taker is Philip Nelmes with a top haul of six wickets in one league game and a steady count of three or four successes in every match.

Davis is not so impressed with his team's fielding.

"We did reasonably well to restrict Old Pats to 188 on Saturday but it could have been a much lower target if our catching had been better. The fact is we dropped everything all afternoon – Russell George, a former player and great supporter, was seen shaking his head as he left the ground," said Davis.

In reply Aylburton scored 114 all out.

"We're still holding up the league so we have to consider the prospect of going down. Still, the C and G Premier League is competitive enough and I'm sure we can hold our own there," said Davis.