Cleeve Cricket Club had a successful 2023 season after finishing second in the Bristol and District League, and new signings will hope to strengthen the squad and contribute to another successful season in 2024.

Following two successive seasons of promotion from League 2 of The Bristol and District league, Cleeve CC is preparing for life in the Senior Division with the appointment of new player/coach, Jalal Ahmed, kindly sponsored by Clevedon based Phoenix Tax.

The new division will see a jump up in quality of opponent for the Cleeve squad as they now find themselves at the highest level of cricket in the Bristol and District leagues, and their new player/coach will be hoping to provide some vital knowledge and wisdom to aid in that journey.

A vastly experienced all-rounder, Ahmed has played West of England Premier League cricket for 14 years, playing at Weston-super-Mare CC from U17s to 1st XI as well as for other teams in other local leagues.

Most recently he played for Almondsbury and Hemyock CC in the West Somerset League, finishing as leading wicket taker in Division 4 with 25 wickets at 10.2 and the 2nd highest run scorer in all divisions in that league with 842 runs at an average of 91.89.

Ahmed will lead weekly squad training and is hoped will assist some of the youngsters too.

On his appointment, he commented: “It was clear to me that Cleeve CC, it’s committee and the current squad of players remain committed to improvement and continued success which was a huge attraction to me to assist with their continued development.

“With excellent facilities and quality ground, I am really looking forward to working with this enthusiastic young team.”

Club Captain Sam Williams added: “It will be fantastic to an experienced player lead our group and individual training.

An additional all-rounder in our side and have a player available for all of our fixtures this year will be an added bonus.

Jalal is already started training and fits seamlessly into the squad.”

Aside from an exciting Senior Division League to look forward to, Cleeve also has a busy 2024 Cup schedule ahead that includes Bristol & District and Somerset Cups and also being invited to represent the Bristol & District League in the Vitality National T20 competition.

Other news for the club includes the signings of all-rounder Tom Baughan switching from neighbours Backwell Flaxbourton and pace bowler Sam Jervis moving from Nailsea to provide further selection problems for the skipper.

Cleeve will be taking on Golden Hill CC 2nd XI this coming weekend in their last preseason friendly and will be in action for their first competitive league fixture the following weekend away to Downend Cricket Club’s 2nd XI on May 4th.