Gotherington Cricket Club’s record-breaking batsman, Andrew Shakespeare, has agreed to become the club’s co-captain this season.

Shakespeare, who made a club highest ever score of 183 not out for the village team in a six-wicket win over near neighbours Tewkesbury last year, will share the captaincy duties with Oli Mallory.

“The club are in good health,” said treasurer and groundsman Brian Cosgrove, who is a former player himself.

“Andrew Shakespeare has recently moved to the area and he’s a hell of a batsman, he used to play in the Cheshire County League.”

And Shakespeare showed just how good he is in that win over Tewkesbury’s Sunday side at the beginning of August.

“We needed 233 to win and we got them with six wickets and two overs to spare,” said Cosgrove.

“It was a 40-overs game and at tea Sharpy [Rob Sharp], our captain, asked him where he fancied batting.

“He replied, ‘If you haven’t got an opener, I quite fancy it!’.”

The next highest score for Gotherington was Reg Isaac with 18 as Shakespeare went on the rampage, hitting 19 fours and five sixes on a memorable day for the club.

Gotherington, who play only friendly matches, called on some 35-37 players last season and Cosgrove added: “We’re committed to trying to keep Sunday cricket going.”

Cosgrove is also committed to maintaining and improving the club’s ever-popular youth section and he said that there were plans to field a joint under-15 side with Tewkesbury Cricket Club this season.