Skipper Sean Cooper is demanding all-round success for Fakenham Cricket Club next season.Having accepted the first team captaincy, he wants an end to that team's struggles in the East Anglian Premier League and promotion for other sides to raise the general standards of cricket and competition for places in the club.

Skipper Sean Cooper is demanding all-round success for Fakenham Cricket Club next season.

Having accepted the first team captaincy, he wants an end to that team's struggles in the East Anglian Premier League and promotion for other sides to raise the general standards of cricket and competition for places in the club.

With that in view, this summer's main overseas player will be Sri Lankan Indika de Seram, currently leading his country's three-day game batting averages. He was with Vauxhall Mallards last season.

Australian Keegan de Ridder is returning as the second XI professional, while three home players have been brought in to strengthen the first team and lower its average age. They are fast bowler Angus Stewart formerly of Downham and spinner/middle order bat Joe Pitkin and opening batsman James Brown, who played for North Runcton last campaign. Another Euro passport holding pro will be announced soon.

Cooper spoke at a weekend meeting which brought club members and supporters up to date with the plans made during the winter. He said he was embarrassed at the lack of senior winning pennants in the clubhouse. The youth section were competing very well, he added.

He wanted success to match the superb facilities at Highfield Lawn and all the hard work which goes on behind the scenes. He set the target of EAPL security in the coming season, followed by a top-four finish the season after and a push for the title the next year. He also called for the other teams' promotions.

Paul Dunger and Ian Slegg opting for second XI cricket next season had helped reduce the average age of the first team, said Cooper.

Dunger, who will skipper the second team, said the club was looking for at least seven members of the second XI to be available to step up to the first team when necessary. He wanted an end of players being content to play in their comfort zones and be ready to play at higher levels when asked.

Cooper emphasised that all overseas players will be involved in coaching, which had been re-structured. Also overhauled was the selection process, clothing and pre-match routines on playing days.

Chairman Martin Turner emphasised on Monday that EAPL security for the first team was paramount, with promotion for the other teams a priority to bring young players through.