Goatacre squad to remain together as new skipper Dawson turns down approach (From Swindon Advertiser)

Goatacre squad to remain together as new skipper Dawson turns down approach

6:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Sport By Sam Morshead

CRAIG Gibbens is confident Goatacre will not be losing any of their key squad members ahead of the 2013 campaign.

After coming within a point of promotion to WEPL Premier One last term Gibbens & Co are looking to go one better this time around, and to do so they will need all of their main assets on board come the start of the season.

Gibbens revealed that all-rounder Brad Dawson has turned down an approach from an unnamed club, and the 18-year-old was yesterday named as the youngest captain in the club’s history after taking up the role for 2013.

And having spoken with his teammates, Gibbens is not anticipating any unforeseen departures from Goatacre Lane.

“One or two people have been sniffing around but my conversations with the players we’ve got suggest that everybody’s staying,” said the seamer, who stepped aside as skipper over the winter.

“Brad’s been offered a bit of money I think, they put together a package for him, but I’m not sure he’s that interested. Obviously he’s interested in the money side of things but he’s not interested in playing a lower standard of cricket. He’s interested in playing a higher standard of cricket.”

Meanwhile, Gibbens said that Jack Haines has been excelling in his time with Australian outfit Williamstown Imperials during the off-season.

The youngster is averaging just over 26 from his eight innings to date for the Imperials, including 98 from number five against Grand United a little over a week ago. And Haines has been impressing with the ball, too, taking five wickets at 20 apiece.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Jack again, he’s spent the winter out in Australia and bowling and batting out there,” said Gibbens.

“I did send an email asking if they had wide wickets in Australia, but apparently not. Apparently he’s bowling pretty straight and pretty quick so we’re looking forward to seeing how he’s benefited.”