WERRINGTON Cricket Club’s first team captain, Adam Hodgson, is stepping down from the role after two years in charge.

The 33-year-old was entrusted with following in the footsteps of Ben Smeeth who won three league titles and a number of cup competitions in his ten years at the helm.

The Ladycross outfit finished a disappointing sixth in 2016, but with the exciting additions of Cornwall skipper Matt Robins and James Turpin, hopes were high of repeating their 2015 title triumph.

However, a combination of factors meant they never seriously challenged for the title and ended in fourth, 61 points behind champions Truro.

They ended with nine wins and seven defeats from their 18 matches with two matches falling foul to the weather. They were particularly poor at home by their high standards, losing four times, including defeats to Helston and Redruth.

The T20 stuff went a lot better as they won the Hawkey Cup by defeating Grampound Road at St Austell before losing to Penzance in the Edwards Cup final at Truro.

Hodgson said: “It was a very up and down sort of season. Our overseas situation was a nightmare and Tom Hughes pulled out a week before the start of the season, which meant we were two players light.

“There was also varied availability which meant that we didn’t get our full side out enough. We went down to Penzance on the Bank Holiday with a full side and thrashed them. But we had three out at home to Helston and we lost to them so it was very frustrating. We didn’t lose when we were at full strength, we only lost when we had players missing.

“With the success we’ve had over the years we don’t want to be finishing fourth. The T20 stuff went a lot better and we won the Hawkey Cup but finishing fourth isn’t really good enough.”

When asked what they need to work on, Hodgson admitted that there wasn’t a lot wrong but pointed to a couple of factors and the importance of either a professional or overseas player and a settled side.

He said: “We need to improve our game management and the reading of the game. The way we got out at times was not good for the situation but we’ll get better at it. Our training wasn’t great either.

It’s also massive not having an overseas or a professional. For the two years I’ve been in charge we’ve had no pro and an overseas for only half a season and we still finished sixth and fourth.

“We started getting an overseas in 2012 and it makes a big difference all around the club. For next year we’re definitely looking to get a quality pro or overseas and it’ll make a big difference.”

One area where Werrington were particularly light was in the pace bowling department.

With no overseas and Sam Hockin and Danny Warne only playing only a handul of games, the onus was left on 20-year-old Tom Dinnis to take on the responsibility.

And although Hodgson was delighted with his progress after a winter playing for Broadbeach Robina Cricket Club in Queensland, Hodgson admitted he was short of support.

He said: “It was a good job that Dinno came back and did so well. The availability of Sam Hockin was again a problem but we’ll probably be looking to add a couple of seamers.”

While the pace bowling didn’t go according to plan, 2017 saw former captain Ben Smeeth thrive.

The all-rounder scored 502 runs in 16 Premier League games opening the batting, as well as snaring 34 league wickets with his off-spin at an average of just 12.53, leaving Hodgson to sing his praises.

He said: “Ben picked up the batting, bowling and Players’ Player of the Year award in the first team and basically just cleaned up. It shows you how good he was when he was the only player not to vote for himself in the players’ player vote. It was great to see him come back to form. He now just turns up and enjoys his cricket and I’m hoping that I can do the same next year.”

Hodgson was also full of praise for a number of other players.

Hodgson said: “Smithy (Paul Smith) is just quality and we missed him when he was injured while Nick Lawson hit an incredible 26 league sixes to top the charts by miles. As I already said, Tom Dinnis bowled some brilliant spells at a good pace and is a winner. He’s gone out to Australia again this winter to play for Tatura Cricket Club in Victoria, so hopefully he’ll come back even better.”

When asked to sum up his experience of leading his boyhood club, Hodgson admitted that it didn’t go quite to plan, but believes that the future remains bright and is looking forward to making a big impact as a player next summer.

Hodgson said: “Unfortunately increased work and family commitments mean I can’t give the job the job the time and energy it needs. I’d love to carry on but it needs someone who can give it more than I can give it.”

“I knew that when I took over were going into a transitional stage, especially with losing Alex (Smeeth). No excuses but the lack of overseas and pro didn’t help, but it didn’t go quite how I wanted.

“Saying that, the atmosphere in the changing room is brilliant and everyone says that they’re keen to play next year so the team is still in good shape.

“Looking forward, I want to get back to working on my own game. When you’re the captain there are a lot of little things you’ve got to think about such as selection and doing the toss, which shortens your warm-up time.

“I want to have a good winter, get as fit as I can and play well for Werrington and push for the title and be in contention for the Cornwall squad. As soon as we stop aiming for the title, I’ll give up.

“I don’t want to be aiming for mid-table and I know that the club won’t either. I want to play for a lot longer yet and hopefully one day play with my son.”

Werrington’s next first team captain will be announced at their AGM next month.