It’s fair to say that Poulton Cricket Club are batting well above their average.

The thriving club boast 150-plus members and play in Division One of the County League, which is pretty good going for a small village in the Cotswolds.

“Yes, it is very impressive,” said 1st XI vice-captain Charlie Buse.

And it’s all the more impressive when you consider that the flagship team are without a couple of their main players this season.

“We’ve lost a couple of decent batsmen,” continued Buse. “Digby Nuthall has gone back to Australia, he was a very handy player, and our captain Ross Cutts isn’t available this year.”

First-change bowler Liam James has taken over as captain – his dad Andy was captain for many years back in the day – and Buse has stepped up as his deputy.

“I’ve know Liam since we were kids,” said Buse, an off-spinner who can give the ball a good smack when batting down the order, “he’s one of my best friends.”

It’s probably fair to say the current campaign is one of consolidation for a club that were formed as long ago as the late 19th century even though last season saw them go very, very close to clinching promotion to the West of England Premier League for the first time.

“We needed to win two of our last three games,” said Buse, “but we didn’t and finished third. We’re regrouping a bit this season but we’re still definitely holding our own in the division. And the aim is definitely to get into the WEPL.”

And it’s not just the flagship team who have been flying high in recent times because the 2nd XI are playing in Division Seven of the County League this season after winning promotion from the Cirencester League.

And this season the club are also running a 3rd XI.

“It’s an experimental side,” explained Buse. “We get a lot more players available in July and August in the university and school holidays and it’s a chance to give more players a game. They only play friendlies but it’s a good way to get everyone playing cricket.”

Poulton also have a very strong ladies’ team and a couple of them played for the men’s 2nd XI last season.

“We’ve got some very very good players in the women’s team,” added Buse. “We’ve got a couple of county players and a couple of them took wickets and scored runs for the men’s 2nd XI last season.”

Throw in the fact that the club also have a thriving youth set-up and it’s easy to see why there are so many smiles around the club.

Buse is in his fourth season at the club having played as a junior at Birdlip and Brimpsfield.

A painter and decorator, he lives in Cirencester and thoroughly enjoys playing cricket at their Cricklade Road ground.

“It’s a fantastic ground,” he said, before adding, “it’s a batter’s paradise.”

That’s not always so good for an off-spinner, of course, but Buse added: “It’s a big ground, I just have to make sure I’m bowling to the long boundary!”