Former Shropshire captain Bryan Jones has been appointed Wem’s new skipper ahead of the start of a new Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League season.
And, in another exciting development for the Kynaston Ground club, they have announced plans to hold a showpiece Twenty20 game in June featuring ex-England paceman Devon Malcolm as part of Wem legend Brian Perry’s first president’s day following his elevation to the role.
The capture of batsman Jones, whose former clubs include Shrewsbury and Wroxeter, is a real coup for Wem as the prolific run-getter was playing Birmingham League first division cricket for Shifnal last year.
Jones said he was really looking forward to helping the development of Wem’s host of talented youngsters. “The work that the club has put in over recent times really comes across now,” said Jones, who will have long-serving Martin Gaunt as his vice-captain. “They have the facilities and junior development to be thought of as one of the leading lights in Shropshire cricket.
“A big draw for me is the talented youngsters already beginning to establish themselves in the team alongside the more experienced players. We’ll see how things develop, but there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be aiming for a successful season. It’s a very exciting challenge.”
Wem spokesman Will Savage added: “It’s a big signing for us and the opportunity arose which made a lot of sense to us.
“Obviously, his class as a batsman will be valuable as it’s one area where we’ve been far too inconsistent in recent summers. In our league he will be tough opposition for any bowler.
“As a captain his experience and drive is virtually unparalleled. We’ve finished high up in the table consistently with a team of home grown players without feeling like we’ve played consistently or hard enough to win the league again.
“The feeling was that if the right person was available, someone to come in as captain – with a fresh eye if you like – it would have the potential to push us on further.
“Bryan coming in will really be a motivating factor for the club this season.”
Wem’s second and third teams, both highly successful last season, will again be captained by Shaun Astley and Martin Peate respectively while Perry, one of Shropshire’s cricketing greats, replaces Allen Evans as president, with the club in good shape after his stint at the helm.
“The club has spent a lot of money on its facilities over the last three years,” added Savage. “This month there are new artificial pitch and net facilities being installed at the Kynaston Ground which will aid our thriving junior section considerably.
“By way of a grand opening, Brian’s first president’s day on Sunday, June 13 will be a Twenty20 match with one side captained by Devon Malcolm among other well known cricketing names.”
Wem are already planning for the new season and hold net sessions every Wednesday at 8pm at Shrewsbury School’s Indoor Cricket Centre. They are also keen to recruit new players of all standards for weekend or midweek games. Anyone interested can call Martin Gaunt on 07976 383135.
By Stuart Dunn