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How will they do? MV takes a look at the contenders!
Mike Vimpany - 13 May 2001
Andover
Captain: Jerry Hayward
Contract player: Iain Brunnschweiler
Andy Hooper's decision to drop down to 3rd XI cricket could have a significant impact on Andover's ability to emulate last season's fourth place. Don't be surprised if Andover try to tempt Hooper, 54, back into the SPL stream pretty soon. He was sorely missed in the unexpected opening-day defeat by Burridge. Nonetheless, Andover still possess a useful squad, with the Miller brothers likely to be prominent. Jerry Hayward and Ian Langdown have important roles to play, but Hampshire's Iain Brunnschweiler needs to make his full quota of runs. Former Bournemouth 2nd XI captain Neil Staddon is behind the stumps.
Prospects: Mid-table.
BAT Sports
Captain: Dave Banks
Overseas: Dave Carson (Australia)
If Dave Carson reproduces his winter NSW University form, BAT could be strong challengers. Carson, who has spent the past two summers with Hambledon, scored over 500 runs and took 20-plus wickets in the demanding Sydney A-Grades. Teenager Damien Shirazi and Richard Kenway are a useful opening pair, with Dave Banks and ex-Romsey batsman Adam Hayes in the middle-order. There's a tasty new-ball partnership now that Richard Taylor has linked up with Dan Goldstraw, but BAT will need a fit Richard Dibden if they are to really threaten.
Prospects: Likely challengers.
Bashley (Rydal)
Captain: Neil Taylor
Overseas: Andy Loader (Australia)
How do we replace Luke Ronchi ? That's the question Bashley selectors are asking now the talented Perth wicket-keeper/bat has gone to the Australian Cricket Academy. Neil Taylor has few worries about Bashley's bowling armoury, but proven batsmen are not in such great supply. Neil Thurgood and Andy Sexton have greater responsibility, as will ex-Wimborne skipper Richard Knowles and Andy Neal. Ian Hilsum's return to Ventnor has left a potential weakness in the spin section, although the Hampshire prospect didn't have a great 2000 season in the Forest.
Prospects: Mid-table.
Bournemouth
Captain: Matt Swarbrick
Overseas: Peter Waite (Australia)
South Perth swing bowler Peter Waite and Devon paceman Paul Warren provide Bournemouth with an awesome new-ball attack, complimented by Liverpudlian Joe Wilson and Kristan Wilson (no relation) from Poole. The departure of Cornwall all-rounder James Hands has left a void in the left-arm spin department, while Mike Stonier's decision to have a summer off - Bournemouth have their fingers crossed the South African doesn't decide to retire altogether - leaves a significant top-order place to be filled. Matt Swarbrick and Martin Miller will need to lead from the front until Somerset prospect Tom Webley finishes at King's Taunton.
Prospects: Possible challengers.
Burridge
Captain: Paul Ancell
Contract player: James Hamblin
Burridge made a few 'changes of personnel' after last season's Great Escape at Cove and, in the words of skipper Paul Ancell, are "more of a team than before." Provided a Day One surprise at Andover and could upset a few more teams as the summer progresses. After last summer's unfortunate experiences, Burridge decided against engaging an overseas player, but English-born Dave Jackson, who lives in Durban and played for Hursley Park last year, will undoubtedly strengthen the top order. Matt Compton jets off to join the RAF in June, but his departure more or less coincides with the return of John Francis, from Loughborough UCCE. Hampshire's James Hamblin was wicket less at Andover, but will need to create inroads if Burridge are to bowl sides out.
Prospects: Will expect to do better.
Calmore Sports
Captain: Tommy Pegler
Overseas: Glen Motschall (Australia)
Martin Kellaway's decision to stay in Yorkshire and play in the Bradford League is an enormous blow, but Calmore have the potential to challenge strongly. Tommy Pegler assumes the reins and will have Glen Motschall, a left-arm 'quick' and useful middle-order batsman from Victoria A-Grade club Carlton, at his disposal. Expect top all-rounder Paul Draper and Jez Goode to shine again, and slim-line James Hibberd to make an impact. Paul Cass should continue to grow in stature as Calmore bid to better last year's runners-up slot.
Prospects: Havant's main rivals.
Havant
Captain: Paul Gover
Overseas: Shane Gillies (Australia)
Unquestionably the team to beat. Won all three 'titles' last season and were streets ahead of their rivals in ability, organisation and strategy. If Andy Perry (dislocated shoulder) is fit, Havant will boast the best batting line up (on paper). Overseas recruit Shane Gillies, who opens for Paul Terry's Melville in the WACA A-Grades, may get the number 5 spot behind Perry, Carson, Sears, Hindley and Gover. Mark Copping has returned to spearhead the attack alongside Richard Lewis, while Phil Loat and Stephen Foulger are a more than useful spin pair.
Prospects: Champions again.
Hungerford
Captain: Toby Radford
Overseas: Christo Nieuwoudt (South Africa)
Talented all-rounder Alex Barr is back after a year in Australia and Andy Ford has returned. But with premier wicket-taker David Pryke returning to live and work in South Africa, and the prolific Jim Ettridge, Chris Wright, Steve Wyatt and former captain Duncan Johnson all having fled the nest (mainly to Falkland and Thatcham), Hungerford could struggle to survive. Enormous responsibility rests on Toby Radford, Alex Barr and Robbie Maier, who spent last season in the Northants League.
Prospects: Not very good.
Liphook & Ripsley
Captain: Duncan Berry
Overseas: Ben Jansen (New Zealand)
Kiwi Mayu Pasupati, whose 50-plus wickets propelled Liphook into Premier 1 last season, is a key absentee for the East Hants club, who suffered a seven-wicket defeat at Bournemouth last week. Off-spinner Ben Jansen, also from Wellington, is the overseas replacement. On paper, it's difficult to identify a top run maker at Ripsley Park, though Steve Riley's straight hitting should prove fruitful. Consequently, Liphook may struggle. Ever-consistent Tim Wheatley shoulders the seam bowling responsibility with Matt Eaton.
Prospects: Could be an uphill struggle.
South Wilts
Captain: Russell Rowe
Overseas: Brendan Pauwells (Australia)
Roger Sillence appears to have gone to live in Hertfordshire and Jamie Glasson doesn't plan to play until after his wedding. That leaves South Wilts with two massive gaps to fill, although Rob Wade is back from Switzerland. Brendan Pauwells has arrived from the Melbourne Sub-District competition with a key role to play, alongside young seamers Chris Steedon and Jim Tomlinson. South Wilts had lined up Chris Stockdale, the experienced Minor Counties batsman/spinner, but the ex-Cumbria all-rounder has gone AWOL. Tom Caines (Burridge) joins the Bemerton set.
Prospects: Bottom half.
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