ACTION in the West Sussex Invitation League gets under way for another summer this weekend and there are numerous Observer-area teams looking for honours across the divisions.
Selsey will bid for glory in division one following promotion from division two last summer, while Eastergate are among the sides they’ve left behind in the second tier.
Aldwick have a first and second XV in division four and eight respectively.
There are three local teams in division six – West Wittering, who were promoted last year, Chichester Priory Park III and Eastergate II.
Selsey’s seconds take their place in division nine, while West Wittering’s seconds and Chichester’s fourth team do battle in division ten.
Here we profile a couple of the teams whose Invitation League reports will appear regularly in the Observer.
* If you’re a local team playing in the league, feel free to send in reports – they should be no more than 150 words and should arrive with us at sport@chiobserver.co.uk by 5pm Monday. Teams who send in reports on a regular basis will get a visit from an Observer photographer.
Aldwick
Division: 4
Finished last season: 4th
Realistic aim for this season: Top two
Captain: Keelan Belcher
News: There are no changes to squad – quality batsman Joel Lodge, whose highest score in 2011 was 110, is vice-captain. Talented youngster Alex Cooper has moved up from the second XI to secure a regular place in the first team. Aldwick started well in 2011 then fell away. They plan to start well in 2012 – and finish well too.
West Wittering
Division: 6
Finished last season: 2nd in div seven
Realistic aim: Promotion
Captain: Carl Tupper
Players in: B Dolden (scorer), R Thomas, D Roche.
Players out: None
News: The club now have an electronic scoreboard, covers, new nets and a renovated pavilion after a successful Natwest Cricket Force Day.
Aldwick II
Division: 8
Finished last season: 9th in div seven, relegated
Realistic aim: Top four
Captain: Arthur Bradbury
News: No changes to squad apart from a couple of players now at university and returning later on, including Jonny Knapp. New captain this year is the very experienced Arthur Bradbury, who has played the game at a good standard and will no doubt instill a winning mentality in his young team. Last year was a poor one for the twos but with Bradbury’s experience and the developing skills of the younger players, if they get off to a good start things can only get better and they may surprise some fancied teams.
West Wittering II
Division: 10
Finished last season: Didn’t exist!
Realistic aim: Fulfil all fixtures and get the young players playing league cricket
Captain: Ian Jones
Players in: Too many to mention.
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