Southwell Cricket Club captain Tom Clarke steps down

A promotion-winning cricket club captain has stepped down from his role ahead of the 2022 season.

After a successful tenure, Southwell Cricket Club’s first team captain Tom Clarke has stepped down from his role.

The club’s vice captain David Bates will take the reigns for the upcoming campaign.

Clarke led the team to a cup final during the covid-hit 2020 season before securing promotion to Division C of the South Nottinghamshire Cricket League in 2021.

“Making the decision to step down as club captain was not an easy one to make but I feel I can look back on the past two seasons with pride,” said Clarke.

“It’s been wonderful to watch some of the younger players coming up through the ranks and the atmosphere and team spirit at every game has been great.

“I want to thank my vice captain David Bates and everyone else who has played a part on and off the field.

“A cup final and league promotion will stay with me for a long time.

“I feel the club is now in a better place and I wish my successor all the very best for the forthcoming season.”

Southwell chairman Chris Miller applauded Clarke for his enthusiasm and hard work over his tenure.

“He brought the first team forward and had great success gaining promotion and runners up in a cup final,” said Miller.

“I’m sure he will still give his support to the new captain David Bates.”

Team-mate Joe Fryer praised Clarke, who recorded 15 wins and eight losses over his two-year leadership through covid-hit campaigns.

“Off the field, Tom has been the driving force behind many social aspects of the club, a true people person who epitomised the values of the club,” said Fryer.

“The 2020 pandemic was certainly not the start Tom expected when he took over in 2020, but it was a task he took to with the energy and enthusiasm he has become well know for.

“With a cup final and promotion under his belt, Tom’s time as 1st XI skipper has been highly successful. Always keen to develop the younger players in the club, Tom frequently organised and led midweek T20 games against Notts & Arnold and has seen juniors Will Ashworth, Dan Stokes and Matt Clarke efficaciously establish their places in the 1st XI.

“We are delighted that he is staying on at the club to focus on his batting and continuing his record for safest — yet most unconvincing —hands in the field.”