AFTER two defeats in the opening three games, Wokingham Cricket Club's new 1st XI captain Stuart Parsons was feeling much happier following their emphatic home win over Chesham last Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

The Oaks restricted their visitors to 203-9 after 50 overs and needed just 39 overs to reach their target for the loss of three wickets – thanks mainly to an unbeaten 80 from Dan Housego and 70 from fellow coach Michael Bates.

"Obviously, it's nice to be back to winning ways," said Parsons.

"We had a couple of bad days at the office, more with the batting than bowling, and so we're pleased with the result.

"We were clinical and hopefully we can continue to perform like this and win more games."

He added: "I thought we did well to keep them down to just over 200 on what looked a 290-300 run wicket, so all credit to our bowlers. We bowled tight and that was the key.

"On paper, we are a good side, but it is about how you perform on grass that counts. We have got the ability and we must keep on doing the things we are good at."

Parsons has taken over the captaincy this season from Stuart Hayter, admitting it is a "great opportunity."

He continued: "The plan is to continue with the strong foundations the club built in the three or four years under Stuart, who has done a fantastic job.

"I have learned a lot from him, as I have from our coaches Dan and Batesy.

"Being captain here is a new thing for me and also for the players, but I am enjoying it and learning new things every week.

"We may get a selection issue wrong one week and not perform on another day, but hopefully we will mainly get things right and pick up wins.

"We are a strong side at home, but need to improve our away form."

Wokingham face a particularly tough trip this coming Saturday as they visit unbeaten Oxford, who are setting a strong pace at the top of the Home Counties Premier League's Division Two with maximum points from four games.

"They are going to be a real test for us, but we will go there and show them what we are made of," commented Parsons.

Paceman Iain Muirden is on his way back from a shoulder injury, but there will be a check on his fitness before the Oaks confirm their side.

"We have comfortably 18 to 20 players capable of playing in the first team which makes selection harder, we have players knocking on the door wanting to play," stated the skipper.