Searle: Goatacre can compete in Premier 2 (From Swindon Advertiser)

Searle: Goatacre can compete in Premier 2

7:00am Tuesday 30th August 2011 in Cricket By Sam Morshead

JASON Searle reckons Goatacre already have enough quality to cement themselves in Premier 2, and the off spinner has gone so far as to predict a top-four finish next season.

Former Wiltshire man Searle was part of the side which secured promotion out for the WEPL Glos/Wilts Division, despite a meek defeat at Swindon on Saturday.

And, speaking to the Advertiser after the game, he was adamant his team can cut it at their highest ever level next term.

“I’m looking forward to it next year and I think we’ll do well and finish in a top four position next year,” he said.

“Things have got to change at the club but obviously that’s got to happen with the progression we’re going to make.

“But with the players we’ve got here already we’ll still finish fourth.

“With only one team going out of this league it’s very difficult, but to do it with players who almost all live within seven miles of the club and no bought-in players is terrific.

“Hopefully we can keep the side together next year. There’s already a couple of players who should be coming over, and we’ll get that with promotion and success.”

Searle recognised the contributions made by ever member of the side, young and old, over the course of the season.

But he picked out three of his teammates for special mention.

“Ed Kilbee’s been great with the bat and then you’ve got almost 100 years between Kevin Iles and Gibbo (Craig Gibbens) and they’ve got 40-odd wickets,” he said.

“But there’s been wickets and runs from everyone and next year they’ll come to the fore and do it all again.”