Bourton Vale captain Charlie Garratt had just returned from the Caribbean when The Local Answer caught up with him.

His job as a sports travel operator meant he was able to watch pretty much the whole of the recent three-match Test series between England and the West Indies.

It’s a series that won’t live too long in the memory, of course, especially for England fans, but the great thing about cricket is there is always another match, another series, or, as in Garratt’s case, another summer just around the corner.

And after the Covid-related difficulties of the past couple of summers, it’s fair to say that Garratt is really looking forward to 2022 and the chance to make a big impression in the Gloucestershire Division of the West of England Premier League.

“I’m very positive,” he said. “We’ve been in this division for about 10 years now. The club are moving forward at quite a fast pace off the pitch – the facilities are top class – and it’s the right time to focus on the playing side.”

Bourton finished fifth in the 10-strong division last time out and Garratt believes the club should be looking to move up a level.

Only the champions will go up to Premier Two Glos/Wilts, so Garratt knows that winning promotion is a tough ask.

“Winning the title is our aim but it’s very difficult to get out of this division,” he said. “It’s a very competitive league. Dumbleton have just been relegated and they are always strong, Gloucester are always strong and Cirencester had a good season last year.

“Tewkesbury have been promoted and they know all about this division. All the teams have recruited well and most will have an overseas player.”

That includes Bourton Vale, who will have Australian James Vlaeminck in their ranks this season.

A top order batsman who bowls off-spin, Vlaeminck is a player who is well known to Garratt.

“He’s from just north of Melbourne in Bendigo, Victoria,” said Garratt. “I coached him when I was out there playing for Strathdale Maristains seven or eight years ago. He was part of his club’s under-16 team and I’ve followed his progress.”

Jordan Price has also joined the club and has taken on the role of player/coach.

“He’s got vast experience,” said Garratt, an opening batsman who bowls slow medium. “He was last in the WEPL with Lansdown, he was captain and their first-team coach and he got them up to Premier One.

“He’s a bowling all-rounder, he bowls medium fast and will bat in the middle order.”

Closer to home, Bourton have also added Oli Lockey to their squad.

“He’s been Chedworth’s standout player for some time, he’s been on our radar for a while,” said Garratt.

“He’s played for us during our cricket week and it’s the right time for him.”

Lockey is a left-handed batsman and he will be hoping to be in the runs from the start, as will Garratt, who was disappointed with his output in 2021.

“I’m looking to improve,” he admitted, “I didn’t have my best time last season. My personal target is to be leading runscorer and chip in with a few wickets.”’