Will 2005 be the key year? (From Gazette Series)

Will 2005 be the key year?

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CCC have got off to a mixed start in all competitions in the 2005 season, as the club's new look line-up continues to develop.

With summer signings Steve Kirby, Kadeer Ali, Carl Greenidge and Upul Chandana all trying to make an impact at their new club, results have been somewhat mercurial as the season gets going.

On top of the new players, highly-rated England hopefuls Alex Gidman and Jon Lewis, both carrying high expectations on their shoulders, are trying to make their mark while second-term captain Chris Taylor is beginning to emerge as a natural leader under the expert eye of legendary head coach Mark Alleyne.

Since Alleyne took over from New Zealander John Bracewell before last season, Gloucestershire have seen plenty of changes, with the likes of Ian Harvey, Jack Russell, Jonty Rhodes and Mike Smith either retiring or moving on.

However, the class of 2004 more than held their own, even retaining the C&G Trophy, and the hope among many Gloucestershire fans now is that the Alleyne/Taylor partnership can mirror the Bracewell/Alleyne era, with this season being a key one.

So far, Gloucestershire have won one, drawn one and lost two of their Frizzell County Championship Division One matches.

In the Totesport League, they have won one and lost one, while their second consecutive retention of the C&G Trophy got off to the perfect start earlier this month when the side defeated Berkshire by 85 runs to move into the second round.

Phil Weston is one player who has got off to a fine start, and the opening batsman was the recipient of the first Thule Player of the Month award of 2005 earlier this month following his splendid form in April.

Peter Barker, the marketing manager of club sponsors Thule, said: "This is our first player of the month award this season and we are delighted that Phil has demonstrated right from the word go that he is determined to match his excellent performance last year."

Averaging 80 runs a match Weston has picked up where he left off last season, when he was one of the side's true heroes with his excellent batting performances. His unbeaten century in last year's C&G Trophy final won him the Thule Champagne Moment award for 2004, and his form, along with that of fellow opener Craig Spearman, will again be a vital component within the team's arsenal.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire have confirmed the signing of Sri Lankan leg spinner Malinga Bandara, who will join the club as Upul Chandana's replacement for the summer.

The club's chief executive Tom Richardson said: "Malinga will replace Upul assuming he is selected by Sri Lanka for the matches against India and the West Indies in July and August, and for the tour of Bangladesh in August and September.

"However, should Upul not be required for these matches then he will stay at Gloucestershire. Malinga took 11-126 against England A in the spring and clearly is another exciting leg spinner."