A quallity new overseas professional tops the agenda for Wem as they target an immediate return to the Birmingham Cricket League without Sri Lankan star Rasika and explosive Shropshire batsman Martyn Davies.
Rasika has opted to try his luck elsewhere after two successful summers at Soulton Road while the big-hitting Davies has decided to test his considerable talents in the top flight of the Birmingham League after signing for Shifnal.
Their departures will leave big holes in the Wem side but the north Shropshire club are actively pursuing replacements as they prepare for life back in the Marstons Shropshire Premier League.
Wem were relegated from the Birmingham League third division on the final day of last season after a spirited revival came just too late to save them.
Stuart Raine, their consistent wicket taker, has been appointed as Wem’s new cricket manager while Martin Gaunt will continue as first team skipper in charge of a side minus two of their leading lights but containing a host of promising home grown youngsters.
Wem press officer Will Savage conceded both allrounder Rasika, who struck 900 runs last summer, and Davies would be hard to replace, but said both players departed with the club’s good wishes.
“Martyn’s a Wem lad and if we get back in the Birmingham League the chances are he will play for us again,” said Savage. “He will still be involved with the club as a coach and no-one can blame him for wanting to play in the top flight of the Birmingham League.
“Rasika’s had seven years playing in Shropshire and wants a new challenge and he’s left on good terms with everyone.
“I don’t think he’s signed for anyone yet but I understand he’s got quite a few offers and there’s a good chance he will be playing his cricket in Staffordshire or Merseyside this year.”
Savage added Wem were now hopeful of landing a quality overseas replacement and revealed the new man could well come from New Zealand as the club have several contacts in the country.
He said Wem were after a man who can help out on the coaching side and if they can bat and also bowl spin, an area they need to strengthen, it would be a big bonus.
Wem are also searching for a new wicketkeeper to bolster their squad as they attempt to bounce back from the blow of relegation at the first attempt.