NEW skipper Steve Coombs wants to put the fun back into cricket this summer as Westinghouse prepare for their first season in Gloucester and Wilts Two.

League restructuring before next season means Westinghouse cannot be relegated back to the Wiltshire League this year and Coombs is determined to take full advantage of that ruling. He said: "Like everybody else, I want to win, but my main priority is enjoyment. When you give up your Saturday afternoon and you don't get paid for it it should always be fun.

"I've always been the joker of the team. But we're like one big family here and I'm really looking forward to it."

Coombs has taken over the captaincy from John Peters, who returned to his native New Zealand after guiding the team to promotion last year. Australian all-rounder Michael Cant was due to arrive at the club this week, but his father has been taken ill, leaving Westinghouse without an overseas player.

"Obviously family comes first," said Coombs. "It's disappointing not to have an overseas player and we're trying to find a replacement - but I fear it's too late." Westinghouse open their campaign with a home match against Marlborough next Saturday and Coombs can't wait for the first ball to be bowled.

He said: "It's exciting because it's the first year we have not been in the Wiltshire League. It will be good to pit our wits against new teams and new players. We will have to judge everyone on merit."