Paul's back in the swing (From Free Press Series)

Paul's back in the swing

POPULAR all-rounder Paul Swingwood has been re-appointed as Monmouth Cricket Club's first team captain for the coming season.

The inspirational skipper was the unanimous choice of members at the well-attended annual general meeting last week at Monmouth Rugby Club. Swingwood steered his troops to double success last season with the capture of both the Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1 title and the Advantage Business Supplies Marches League Knock-out Cup.

Two Monmouth first team players also featured prominently in the end of season Marches League bowling averages, with Charlie Bye finishing runner-up for the second successive year and Alex Richards coming third. Swingwood will be backed up this summer by quick bowler Jonathan Roberts, who is the new vice-captain of the first team.

The experienced Idris Leonard has been re-elected captain of the second team after guiding the side to the runners-up spot in the Marches League Division 3 last season. Leonard, who finished runner-up in the Marches League Division 3 bowling averages, will be supported by newly elected second team vice-captain Martin Newell.

Chris Brooks has been re-appointed club chairman for a second stint and is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

He is determined 'to get answers' from the Marches League executive committee which has denied Monmouth's second team promotion to Division 2.

Brooks said: "We need a clear explanation from the Marches League on how they reached their decision. We were only told about this matter after the decision had been made. It's a Draconian situation when the affected club is not even consulted over such an important issue. We are far from happy."