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Long-standing Calmore Sports opener leaves for pastures new
Mike Vimpany - 15 September 2001
Paul Draper has played his final match for Calmore Sports and is set to join Southern Electric ECB Premier League rivals South Wilts next season.
Draper, 26, said his farewells to his Calmore team-mates after the final day of the season 15-run defeat by title winners BAT Sports at Loperwood Park.
A prominent right-hand opening batsman and left-arm slow bowler, Draper scored over 3,500 runs in 16 seasons at Calmore, where he played originally as a colt.
"I have played at Calmore since the mid-1980s and, because of the longer game we are playing, I have found the travelling to home games and the commitment required an issue," he explained.
"I will always regard Calmore Sports very fondly and appreciate the fantastic time I have had there.
"I have left on the best of terms with all the players and committee."
Draper, who is expected to be among several new faces attracted to Bemerton by Wiltshire team-mate Russell Rowe next season, added that family and business reasons had also played a major part in his decision to play closer to his Salisbury home.
"I need to train and be closer to home for family reasons and, understandably, I am putting their requirements first.
"I've also received a promotion within the banking world, so my responsibility and workload will increase considerably," he added.
Draper's departure will leave a massive gap for Calmore to fill, especially with former skipper Martin Kellaway having moved to Yorkshire only 12 months ago.
Australian Glen Motchall, an influential left-arm pace bowler and handy middle-order batsman, also played his farewell match against BAT. He has returned to play Grade cricket in Melbourne.
© SEPCL / Mike Vimpany
| Teams | England. |
| Players/Umpires | Paul Draper, Russell Rowe, Martin Kellaway. |
| Tournaments | Southern Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |