Reman Services have made a triple raid on lower league Pontesbury to bolster their squad – and now the Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League champions hope to hold on to Steve Wilderspin who could be on his way to Shrewsbury.
Reman skipper Mal Serplet is delighted to have attracted Sean McCarthy, Matt Boswell and Jon Ashton from FBC Manby Bowdler League first division outfit Pontesbury.
He said the trio had shown up well in the nets and their arrival from the villagers will add to Reman’s strength in depth and provide increased competition for places as the Albert Road club look to defend their title.
“We’re more than happy they want to come across and play for us,” said Serplet. “It gives us a first team squad of 15 or 16 and there’s a lot of competition for places.”
Boswell, who captained Pontesbury last summer, is no stranger to Albert Road having previously played for the club when they were known as Perkins.
Serplet’s pleased to have the big-hitting batsman back on board and is also looking forward to seeing just what McCarthy, a quality top order batsman, and the experienced Ashton can produce at a higher level.
“We know that Bozza’s about, what he can do with the bat, and he’s very enthusiastic about coming back,” said Serplet. “Sean’s a big signing for us and I’m pleased he’s finally agreed to come as I’ve been pestering him for a while. He was probably the best batsman in his league last year and he’s definitely one we’ve had an eye on for a while.
“Jon’s a great clubman and we hope he’ll bring those attributes to us and he’s shown up well in the nets.”
Australian Serplet, who is now English qualified, said Reman had no plans to sign a professional, stressing he was happy with the squad at his disposal.
The only departure from last season’s unbeaten title-winning side remains South African allrounder Wendall Wagner who has accepted the challenge to play in the Birmingham League, as first revealed in the Chronicle in November.
Serplet hopes not to lose any more players but revealed long-serving batsman Wilderspin is netting with higher division neighbours Shrewsbury.
“Hopefully we can hold on to him,” he added. “Maybe he feels it’s time for a new challenge but he’s a good character in our dressing room and it would be sad to see him go.”