Gloucestershire Echo


Cheltenham close in on top spot

Friday, July 03, 2009, 08:00

CHELTENHAM are closing in on the Premier Two summit as they chase back-to-back victories over Keynsham at the Victoria Ground tomorrow.

Last week's emphatic 87-run win at the Frank Taylor Memorial Ground took Will Simmons' men into second place behind Taunton Deane.

Skipper Simmons believes hard work during the winter months has been the key to the bright start to the season as Cheltenham look to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

"There is a brilliant atmosphere around the club," Simmons said.

"Winning matches helps of course, but we worked hard in the winter to create a better atmosphere and ensure every player knew their roles and the level of commitment required.

"We have raised the level of professionalism and everyone is enjoying it, but it took a lot of hard work to build a winning mentality."

Cheltenham have won six of their nine league fixtures this season and Simmons makes four changes as they bid to make it four wins out of five.

Australian Rhys Miller, who scored a patient 34 last weekend, picked up a hamstring injury and is facing two weeks on the sidelines.

He will be replaced at the top of the order by Hugo Rawlinson, who has returned from Durham University.

Kyle Stovold is rewarded for scoring 89 in the second XI last week with his first call up to the senior side this term in place of Charlie Hall, who is away.

Andy Gallagher comes in for John Griffiths, who drops to the second team in search of some confidence-building runs.

And young bowler Bruce Mason comes in for his first team debut, replacing Patrick Parkin, who is unavailable.

"It would be great if we could double up the result and put some space between us and third place and get into first," Simmons said.

"Second is great, but we will not rest on our laurels and we need to keep this run going."

Simmons was quick to praise the support of the second and third XIs, who have both enjoyed strong starts to their respective campaigns.

"Those teams make the first XI tick and lift the whole club, providing competition for places," he added.

Kyle Stovold makes his first appearance of the season for Cheltenham
Kyle Stovold makes his first appearance of the season for Cheltenham

 

   


 

Related content



Watch major sports action LIVE online...
Live streaming sports action






Cheltenham Town

chelt-town-button

Click here for all the latest news from Whaddon Road.

Cheltenham Town

Gloucester Rugby

rugby-button

Click here for all the latest news and views from Kingsholm.

Gloucester Rugby

Crackerjack is here!

Crackerjack is here!

To find and post all your entertainment news, reviews, listings and events.

Click here for Crackerjack







Ancillary Navigation