Bomere Heath’s new skipper Ian Gillespie has completed a trio of signings to bolster the villagers ahead of the Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League season.
Bomere, also boosted by a sponsorship deal with Shrewsbury-based Rizzo Hair and Beauty Salons (see page 76), hope the new arrivals will play a key role in helping the club improve on last season when they were dragged into a relegation battle.
Gillespie, the ex-Shrewsbury and Shropshire allrounder, has enticed Andy McIlroy and Sam Bloor back to the club while Bomere have also swooped to sign Wayne Phillips, a prolific wicket taker in second team cricket for Reman Services.
“Wayne approached us before Christmas and has now agreed to join the club,” said Gillespie. “He is a proven wicket taker and is a real raw talent.
“He is very determined and we are confident he will continue to take wickets this season. Playing for Reman’s second XI, he has been top wicket taker in the premier division with 64 wickets last year and 65 wickets in 2008.”
Gillespie is also happy to have secured the services of MCC stalwart McIlroy and Bloor, who return from Bolton League Edgworth and lower division Knockin & Kinnerley respectively.
“Andy has agreed to be vice-captain which I am delighted with,” he said. “Andy has already proved to be a very useful guy to have around at our pre-season training.
“He is very keen to help our youngsters and is looking forward to playing his cricket again at Bomere. He is the sort of bowler that can tie batsmen in knots and he is also very capable of scoring runs down the order.
“I’m also glad that Sam Bloor has decided to return. He contributed well as a junior when we were climbing up the leagues three or four years ago and he’s a very popular guy at the club.
“He has shown a great attitude at nets.”
Gillespie is still searching for more players and anyone interested can join the squad for nets at Shrewsbury School’s indoor centre on Friday nights.
Anyone interested in turning out for one of Bomere’s three Saturday sides or their Evening League team should contact new second team captain Darren Nudds on 07766 354402.
By Stuart Dunn