Published: Wednesday, 10th September, 2008 5:00pm

Bushell looks forward to bright future

by Charles Watts

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WOKINGHAM skipper Martin Bushell insists the club is in good hands after the Wellington Road outfit ended their Division Two West campaign in second place.

Bushell, in his first season as captain, has played a key part in re-shaping Wokingham who have blooded a number of youngsters throughout the year.

The likes of Sanjay Jain, Matthew Noden and Ollie Miles have tasted life with the first team and Bushell is adamant that the experience they have gained will only help the club move forward.

He said: "It's been a great season. Personally I would like to thank everyone, especially the senior guys, who have given me so much support.

"To finish clear in second is a great achievement - I would certainly have taken that at the beginning of the season.

"But looking back on things there were about three games where we threw away victories so if things had happened differently we could have gone up.

"There are so many positives to take from this season though. With the experience that the youngsters have gained, it's all looking good for next season.

"That's why I wanted to try to get them involved this year. They all have big parts to play next season and will be key in us trying to get promoted."

Wokingham were one of only a handful of clubs to actually complete their game last weekend as they edged to a seven-run home victory against Gerrards Cross.

Batting first, Wokingham were indebted to Noden (43), Ruki Soza (37) and Jain (21no) as they were bowled out for 175.

Martin Wilson, Ryan Hiscoe and Jain then did all the damage with the ball as they ripped through the visitors for 168 to snatch a narrow win.

Bushell said: "The weather wasn't great but Gerrards Cross were keen to play because if other games had gone on, and results had gone against them, they could have still gone down.

"It was a bit of a bowler's paradise but there some good displays with the bat. Young Ollie Miles saw off the new ball, while Ruki and Matt made good scores. Sanjay came in towards the end and hit some very valuable runs that got us up to a competitive total.

"He then bowled very well and along with Martin Wilson and Ryan Hiscoe led us to the win. It was nice to finish what has been a very good season with a victory."