BEN Wish will again captain Rowledge Cricket Club 1st XI as they look to bounce back from last season’s relegation.

Competing in the Southern Premier League Division 2, Rowledge will hope for a change in fortune and win those close-fought games, rather than lose them – as happened last season.

It is again likely to be a young squad, but Rowledge will welcome the return of experienced seamer Richard Forbes and batsman Sam Moseley from injury.

Fraser Wilson, from Sydney, will be the side’s overseas player this year and the Gordon District Cricket Club player is expected to make runs.

Rowledge have lost Ian Metcalfe, who has given outstanding service to the club for many seasons as both batsman and wicketkeeper, and also former Chiddingfold batsman Tom Gleave, and it will be up to younger players with SPL experience such as Joe Randall, George Keeley and Jake Wish to step up to the plate and ease the transition.

Ollie Baker, Max Martin and 15-year-old Will Ryman also have the chance to make an impression in and around the first-team squad.

Top-order batsman Nick Morant and all-rounders Steve Martin and David Lloyd will be key players for Ben Wish who leads the side from behind the stumps, where he has forged a reputation in the league as an extremely sharp stumper.

Rowledge will be away to Paultons in their first league match on May 5.

The 2nd XI, having pulled off a great escape last season in the competitive Hampshire League County 1, will again be captained by Shea Taylor. They will be home to Ryde in their opening fixture on May 5.

Carlo Bruno continues to bring on the next generation, leading the 3rd XI in County Division 4 North.

As ever, Rowledge will compete in the National Village Cup. They host old rivals Valley End in their first match on Sunday, May 13.