Cricket: Regarded as the strongest club side in Wiltshire, Corsham have undertaken a series of changes in the summer which they hope can propel them to new heights.

Officials became aware before the end of last season that the winter would be one of transition with star player and former captain Michael Coles electing to return to a divisional rival.

“I used to play for Bridgwater,” he said. “And I just fancied going back.”

Replacing him is club mainstay Peter Dennett who says he has been making plans for this weekend’s season opener at Taunton St Andrews for eight months.

“I was confirmed officially in mid-November but Colesy made it clear he would be off at the end of last season,” he said. “So I've been preparing since August really.

“I’m a Corsham lad and have captained our youth side, the Sunday team and the seconds but it’s a real honour to take charge of the firsts.”

The first item on his agenda as captain was to re-unite various groups of players he felt had become divided in recent seasons.

With the help of player/coach Roger Sillence, the veteran former Gloucestershire pace bowler, Dennett feels feels everyone is now pulling in the same direction.

“We've gone back to a one-club approach,” he said.

“At times in the past I feel there has been too much emphasis on the first team at the expense of the other sides.

“I’ve been talking to the captains and players from the seconds and thirds to try and bring us all together.

“Roger has a wealth of experience. He’s helped us take on a more scientific and professional approach to training this winter.”

The changes seem to have paid immediate dividends with Corsham, who finished fourth in Premier Division One last year, having won all three of their pre-season friendlies.

While Sillence and the returning Alex Senneck will spearhead the bowling attack, Dennett speaks glowingly about the youngsters pushing them for their positions in the starting 11.

“Will Collier is a 16-year-old medium pacer, who is on Somerset’s books, and I've got high hopes for him,” he said.

“In fact there are three Collier brothers and all are pushing for the first team.

“Nick Harrison is another bowler who has played for Worcestershire’s seconds this winter so we do have options behind Roger and Alex.”

Despite his optimism, Dennett stopped short of making an overall prediction for the coming season.

However he feels if they can make a winning start at Taunton then anything is within their reach.

“In the past at Corsham we’ve been too caught up in winning the league and that can put pressure on,” said the skipper.

“The aim is to take it week by week and perform to our best. If you set out like that then come the end of the season you won’t be too far off the top.

“We are starting at St Andrews who will be one of the favourites for the league.

“It’s a tough opener but there aren’t many easy games. We got a good result there last year so there’s no reason we can’t do it again.”