Claypole Cricket Club are moving up the divisions in the South Notts Cricket League

A rapidly rising village cricket club is continuing to move through the ranks after being promoted two divisions.

Claypole Cricket Club had been due to play in Division J of the South Notts League this coming season.

But, after dominant performances and an opening in Division H becoming available, they have been moved up two flights of the league ladder.

"We were back-to-back champions and they bumped us up," said club player and chairman Matt Revill.

"We have been wanting to move up for a while so it is more competitive

"A club pulled out who wanted to go lower down and so we accepted."

The move will see an exciting derby between Claypole and Coddington and Winthorpe Cricket Clubs play out next season.

"It is a good move for us because we will be playing more local clubs in our area," added Revill.

"We still want to keep moving forward and progressing."

Revill said the team were fired up and looking forward to the next campaign.

They have made some changes in preparation for the challenges ahead.

"We have lost captain Joe Attewell who has moved to Bourne but he will always be a part of Claypole.

"When players come and go, we still support them. We are a family club - once you are part of us, you are part of it.

"We always reach out to the local community and our former players.

"Joe scored nearly 400 runs for us last year and will be a huge miss so we are trying to recruit.

"Matt Taylor who was the vice-captain and won players' player the last two seasons running will now be our captain.

"Dan Sullivan is vice-captain, so the overall leadership is in good hands.

"We have the support of local cricket gear manufacturer Woodstock and have done a five-year deal with them.

"It is exciting times for the club and we are always looking for new people to get involved. If you are interested, reach out to us on social media."

Revill said that they were lucky to have such a supportive set up at the club including Doctor Kevin Jakes who works at Lincolnshire University.

"Kevin is a great influence on our young players," said Revill.

"He is always saying that it is about developing our players into good human beings.

"He wants to make our young men into gentlemen and he is a motivating presence at our club."

The Dr Kevin James award for club spirit is a pillar of the club and the winner of the award picks the next recipient.