THE captain of Oswestry Cricket Club has paid tribute to what could well turn out to be a golden year in its history.
All four of its senior sides are currently in with a chance of promotion as the season heads into its final six weeks, with the first team occupying its best ever position, sitting fourth in Division Three of the Birmingham League.
Mike Robinson, captain of the club, says it would be a fantastic achievement for the Firsts to go up this year, but with Oswestry's other three sides also well placed in their respective divisions, the stage is set for a monumental finish to what has so far been a hugely successful season.
"The experience at the club each week has been superb so far this year," Robinson said.
"All of our teams could get promoted which is very exciting and fantastic for cricket in Oswestry.
"It would be a really good achievement if we could see the first team win promotion though as they have never reached these heights before."
Oswestry won the Shropshire Premier League in 2009 before finishing in seventh spot in Division Three of the Birmingham League last season, and but for suffering a couple of narrow defeats this term, could have found themselves even closer to top spot.
But with a blend of youth and experience throughout the batting and bowling line-ups, the side is benefiting from a good balance in all areas of play.
The Oswestry club has a history of youth development resulting in 21 of their 24 players in 2010 being products of their junior system.
"Joe Carrasco and Joe Clarke are both members of the Shropshire Under 15 squad and with them batting at one and three for Oswestry it is a rarity to see two players of that age so high up the order." Mike continued.
"Charlie Morris is another member of that county side who has recently made a debut for the first team whilst Warrick Fynn, our overseas player, has been in brilliant form for us with the bat too.
"Firsts captain Mark Robinson, and Alex Huxley bring good experience, so we are quite strong and get important contributions from different members of the team each week.
"The Seconds have done remarkably well in the reserve league and with the Thirds and Fourths high up in their divisions of the Manby Bowdler Shropshire Cricket League too it is a great achievement for this club," he added.
Robinson revealed that interest in hiring the pavilion at its impressive Morda Road setting is also growing and the ground has also been earmarked for potential use by Glamorgan CCC who came close to playing one of their one-day county games there this season.
"It is nice to have been recognised by Glamorgan and hopefully they will play here in the future," Mike added.
"But we are an amateur club so enjoyment is key and we get great support from the town which is much appreciated.
"Crowds at Morda Road see a good standard of cricket, and all for free, so there is a great atmosphere.
"Now everybody is geared up for the final push this year and hopefully we can have something to celebrate at the end of the campaign."