Jack Budd in flowing form, picture by Dave Payne.
Jack Budd will lead newly promoted Langley Manor into action in British Gas Southern Premier League Division 2 this summer – knowing he’s got a difficult, if not impossible, act to follow.
Relegated in 2015, the Manor bounced back in terrific style last season, not only winning the SPL3 title, but also wining the T20 Plate crown with a victory over Sparsholt at the Ageas Bowl.
Top order batsman Budd, 21, takes over the captaincy reins from Craig Renders, having joined the Manor as a nine year old in short trousers. He learned much of his early cricket from his father Rob, who played Southern League cricket for Calmore Sports and Deanery.
“It’s a case of ‘follow that’, I suppose. But we’ll give it a good crack. Having tasty derbies against Paultons and Totton & Eling always gives it that extra spice,” he smiled.
Langley, whose league campaign begins with a juicy derby against Totton& Eling at Knellers Lane on May 6, have lost Nick Jenkin, but the arrival of all-rounder Nick Wheeler, from Hursley Park, will compensate for his departure to America.
“Nick’s a handy player with bat and ball, full of energy, and a real asset.
“I’m looking for a few of the younger guys to push on again this season and start knocking on the first team door. That’s the way we’ve always done things at the Manor,” he said.
Langley Manor are also lining up an overseas player, but with immigration regulations ever tightening they won’t be making any announcement until their player physically arrives in the country.
Relegated in 2015, the Manor bounced back in terrific style last season, not only winning the SPL3 title, but also wining the T20 Plate crown with a victory over Sparsholt at the Ageas Bowl.
Top order batsman Budd, 21, takes over the captaincy reins from Craig Renders, having joined the Manor as a nine year old in short trousers. He learned much of his early cricket from his father Rob, who played Southern League cricket for Calmore Sports and Deanery.
“It’s a case of ‘follow that’, I suppose. But we’ll give it a good crack. Having tasty derbies against Paultons and Totton & Eling always gives it that extra spice,” he smiled.
Langley, whose league campaign begins with a juicy derby against Totton& Eling at Knellers Lane on May 6, have lost Nick Jenkin, but the arrival of all-rounder Nick Wheeler, from Hursley Park, will compensate for his departure to America.
“Nick’s a handy player with bat and ball, full of energy, and a real asset.
“I’m looking for a few of the younger guys to push on again this season and start knocking on the first team door. That’s the way we’ve always done things at the Manor,” he said.
Langley Manor are also lining up an overseas player, but with immigration regulations ever tightening they won’t be making any announcement until their player physically arrives in the country.
