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Fighting talk from Uppingham skipper Dumford
Jamie Dumford in action against Oundle
Skipper Jamie Dumford wants promotion at the first attempt as Uppingham Town CC debut in the Leicestershire League this summer.
“Promotion has to be the target on Saturdays,” said Dumford, who will also lead the Sunday team in the Rutland League.
“I think we can win it and I would be disappointed if we do not.”
It was bullish talk from the Uppingham captain whose side will have to adapt to the drawn match format, which the Rutland League does not use on Sundays.
“I have played the system at university. I like it.
“As a captain, if you have the bowlers it’s more interesting.
“It will be new to some of the team but if we can get to grips with it early doors we’ll cope. It will be a case of learning on the job.”
Uppingham, who are reigning Rutland Twenty20 champions, will play in division four of the Leicestershire League after switching from the Northants League on Saturdays, with a new Saturday second team in division eight.
Dumford remains unsure which of his star players will be available for Saturdays, Sundays or both but is looking forward to county clashes against Market Overton and Oakham with relish.
“I’m looking forward to the local games,” he said. “It will be like the old Rutland League.
“Promotion will be tough because we will shift attention to Saturdays and a lot depends upon availability. We start in April and a few lads will have to finish their football first.”
While Dumford and the club’s other skippers juggle their players into regular sides, club chairman Charlie Scott is looking forward to relaxing on the sidelines after a busy few years at the club.
Uppingham moved to Castle Hill last season and now the league switch has been completed, he said: “I am rather pleased that it will be a quiet year. We have done all the big things - now it’s time to enjoy the cricket.”
On joining the Leicestershire League, he added: “We see it as our natural home and we have received a lot of funding and support from Leicestershire.
“In the long term we would like to strengthen our position in the Leicestershire League but we have to find our feet first. I do not see there being any hierarchy between the sides.”
Uppingham’s indoor nets sessions begin on February 28 at Uppingham School with a 7pm start.
Uppingham Town Cricket Club will host Syston’s 2nd XI when they make their debut in the Leicestershire League on April 27.
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Weather for Stamford
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 29 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 16 C
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