LECHLADE are determined to learn from the lessons of their titanic promotion tussle with Goatacre last season as they seek elevation from the WEPL Wiltshire Division in 2011.

Last year Goatacre won the battle at the top of the league after beating their rivals both home and away, and Lechlade’s Max Dawe says the team has to become more ruthless if they are to succeed in winning the title, and promotion, this time around.

“We need to be a bit more cut-throat at certain times, and that is what we are aiming at,” he said.

“Last year we weren’t necessarily as ruthless as we should have been and we have to learn from that.

“We know we have the quality in the squad to beat anyone in this division, we beat Winsley home and away last year, it’s just making sure we’re ruthless at all times.

“Promotion is our main target. We were close last year but we are determined and stronger and together this time.”

Lechlade have held on to the majority of the devastating top order that ripped many opposing bowling attacks to shreds last term.

Paul Godding has relinquished the captaincy to Adrian Stenner, and both provide powerful outlets during the first 15 overs.

Ross Jeffels, having assumed the midweek and Village Knockout Cup captaincy, is expected to be available for the majority of matches this season, while Lechlade’s young nucleus - spearheaded by Dawe and all-rounder Kieran Gandhi - will have a larger role to play in the new campaign.

The departure of talented South African opener Brandon Handley, who racked up 886 WEPL runs at a shade over 68 per innings, is a sizeable dent in Lechlade’s ambitious plans.

Handley has moved on to play in the Yorkshire Leagues, but the blow has been cushioned by the arrival of New Zealander Matt Stringfellow.

“We’ve kept the majority of the players from last season, but this time we’re stronger, more determined and we know how we want to play,” said Dawe.

“Obviously losing Brandon is not great but Matt has come in and we hope he will be getting big runs for us and also bowling a few good overs as well.

“We have got a good set of players and everyone is really keen to get involved.”

Lechlade are most definitely a club on the up, having achieved Clubmark status for their work in the community over the close season.

Girls’ cricket has been a revelation at the Manor Ground, while Easter training brought in some 30 players from the region.

It all bodes well for a promotion push in 2011.

“We know we can beat any team in this league,” said Dawe. “It’s just a case of going and seeing it through.”