Holiday absences make the House grow stronger (From Swindon Advertiser)

Holiday absences make the House grow stronger

6:30am Friday 26th August 2011 in Cricket By Sam Morshead

Nationwide House skipper Joe Perkins is delighted with the strength in depth of his squad, as he prepares for the trip to Great Bedwyn tomorrow.

Nationwide are without a number of first-team players for the WEPL Wiltshire Division fixture, but Perkins is confident those being drafted in can do a more than adequate job.

“We have tempted fate this summer stating this year’s squad would be able to cope with the August holiday season,” said Perkins.

“But as we venture into an away trip to Great Bedwyn we are a few players down from last week’s emphatic win at Malmesbury.

“However, it is a great feeling within the whole club that we can bring in two form players from the twos “For me, this is pleasing as it’s been apparent that this season we have been picking very strong twos teams.”

David Coates and Tom Hamilton come into the batting line-up for Nationwide, who are without Nick Clarke and John Reivers, while Chris Trewhella will have new ball duty in the absence of Stuart Archer.

“What will be required again is a strong display from our batsman on a very decent track at Great Bedwyn,” said Perkins, whose side are aiming for a fourth-place finish.

“So with Kev (Flay), Jon (Clarke) and Luke (Bradley-Leach) in fine form we must post a big total and hopefully we will do just that.”