THE West of England Premier Cricket League (WEPL) begins tomorrow, and Taunton’s sides are feeling optimistic ahead of the new campaign.

Taunton St Andrew’s are the highest placed of the town’s ‘big three’, having been promoted to Premier 1 last season, and captain James Regan is confident his side can deal with the step-up.

He said: “On paper, we had a good enough side at this level a couple of years ago when we went down; we just had one of those years.

“We are a close-knit bunch and, though we haven’t had as much cricket preparation as we’d have liked because of the weather, we’ve had regular indoor training and added some good new players.”

One of those is Somerset’s Tom Banton, who hit 248 for the County 2nd XI last week, and the 19-year-old will join team-mate and Saints stalwart Eddie Byrom as and when their Somerset commitments allow.

“They are both great to have on and off the field,” Regan said.

“Tom played for us a few years ago and I know him well, so it’s great to have him back, and Eddie is a fantastic player and person.

“We’ve also signed Jack Cooper and Justin Burke from Taunton, who are experienced at this level.”

Regan’s men start against reigning champions Bath tomorrow, and the former Somerset wicketkeeper is under no illusions as to the challenge his side face.

“There will be no easy games - there won’t be a week where you look at it and think ‘this is a decent game to have’,” he said.

“Other clubs will be flexing their financial muscle and attracting some seriously good players, but I think the quality and camaraderie we have will see us through.”

Taunton and Taunton Deane, meanwhile, are both looking to improve on mid-table finishes in Premier 2 Bristol/Somerset last season.

Taunton have lost the aforementioned Cooper and Burke to St Andrew’s as well as seamer Joe Gore to Exeter, but have brought in Alex Sparks from Wellington, overseas player Vishnu Venu and Millfield student Chirag Dhindsa.

The 1st XI, who begin at Keynsham tomorrow, are under new leadership, with Hugh Kelly taking the reins from last year’s captain Ben Phillips, who can only play home matches.

Chairman Melvyn Gale said: “I feel we’re stronger than at this time last year and we’ll be looking to compete in the top three.

“Our young players are a year older and wiser - Max Toohey played well at the end of last season and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do, and we have high hopes for Charles Clist and Will Easterfield.

“Will Abell has had a good winter in New Zealand, Dan Quick is now an established player and Under-17 James Hayes will be our opening bowler - he’s bowling quickly and took part in some pre-season net sessions with Somerset.”

The club’s youth section remains strong and they will again be running All Stars Cricket for 5-8-year-olds on Thursday nights.

Somerset County Gazette:

LOCAL HERO: Jack Leach in action for Taunton Deane. Pic: Steve Richardson

Taunton Deane are also aiming for promotion, bolstered by the presence of Liam Redrup, who returns to the club after a spell at Bridgwater, and Alfonso Thomas as and when his other commitments allow.

Deane skipper Rob Woodman said: “We are looking good - the groundstaff have done well in tough conditions and we’ll have a good wicket for Saturday [at home to Bishopston].

“We have traditionally struggled at the start of the season due to various factors - the end of the football season, players not yet back from university or those who play for their independent schools.

“With that in mind, it’s important we start well this year and our local players are available so we can send out strong teams across the club.”

The Deane also have a thriving youth section looking to follow in the footsteps of poster boy Jack Leach, who remains at the club, and several of their young prospects will play a key role this summer.

They include pace duo Nathan Gilchrist and Tom Walsh, all-rounder Harry Smith and opening batsman Tennessee Harlow.

Staplegrove, meanwhile, are competing in WEPL Somerset and begin their season at North Petherton tomorrow.

The Shrubbery Hotel Somerset Cricket League also kicks off this weekend, with Wellington looking to bounce straight back into the WEPL and Trull aiming to build on an excellent 2017.

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