Much like the 1st XI the 2nd XI has also lost several key players from last season, mainly due to work commitments but also as a result of players seeking new challenges. We have however been lucky in signing a quality 2nd team all rounder in Shahid Qureshi who has joined from Civil Service, and we are also hoping to sign another very promising 18 year old all rounder to bolster the side.

The main aim for the season though, as it was last year, is to continue to develop the young talent already within the club. Last season a considerable number of players aged 17 and below played 2nd XI cricket on merit, and the hope is that the trend will continue this season. There are already three young players who have established themselves in the side in Shaun Carroll, Nabeel Asghar and Arun Toora, and exams permitting hopefully this number will increase as the new season progresses.

Add in the virtual ever-presents from the previous few seasons Steve Evans, Abdul ‘Rimmer’ Rahim, Adam Rana and Steve Knowles and things again look promising. At the very least the 2nd XI should be able to match last seasons top half finish, but if the issue of inconsistency can be addressed then maybe sights can be set a little bit higher.

Finally I would like to echo Pete Evans thanks to Dave Betty (groundsman) who has continued to do an excellent job throughout the winter to ensure that the ground looks better than ever.