Reman Services skipper Mal Serplet is all smiles after his long-term mission to persuade seamer Chris Speake to return to the club finally paid off.
Reman, runners-up in the Proactive Shropshire Premier Cricket League last season, have also brought allrounder Dominic Bradburn back to Albert Road, but it’s not all good news for Serplet as Mark McPherson-Lees has opted to return to Bridgnorth after just a season with the Shrewsbury club.
But it’s the capture of Speake, a consistent wicket taker for many years, which really excites Serplet who is delighted to have enticed him back to Reman from Shrewsbury rivals Shelton.
“I’ve been trying to get him for the last couple of years,” said Serplet. “He’s had three or four seasons with Shelton but it’s great to have him back at the club.
“With him and Shane Gwilt opening the bowling, it makes us look much stronger, and then there’s myself and Pete Ezard to come on and bowl as well.”
Serplet is also pleased to have the dependable Bradburn back on board after he recently returned to the area from Stafford.
“He bats, bowls offspin and is a good fielder as well,” he said. “He’s another good signing for us.”
On the downside, Reman have lost the services of McPherson-Lees to Birmingham League Bridgnorth after a single season at Albert Road, with Serplet wishing him well.
“I think Mark’s been offered the captaincy by Bridgnorth and that’s a big deal for him as he’s a Bridgnorth boy,” he revealed. “I’m glad of what he did for us last year and he was a good team player.”
Serplet, who has refused to rule out further new signings, added his main priority was now trying to convince ex-Shrewsbury and Shropshire skipper Mark Davies to remain at Reman for a second summer.
“There are a lot of people trying to get his signature but I think he enjoyed himself last year and he fitted in excellently,” he said. “He also helped me a lot on the captaincy side.”