Former Buckinghamshire CCC captain and opening bowler, Tom Hampton, has been named as Wokingham CC’s first XI skipper for its bicentenary season.
Hampton – who has enjoyed spells with First Class counties Middlesex and Gloucestershire – led Bucks to the National Minor Counties Championship in 2023 before retiring from the set-up.
“We are delighted Tom has agreed to take on the captaincy of our first XI,” said Mark Simmons, Wokingham CC seniors captain. “Tom is rightly credited with being one of the driving forces behind modernising and professionalising Buckinghamshire CCC, and it’s that track record that we believe will help Wokingham regain its Home Counties Premier League status.”
Hampton, who joined Wokingham CC at the start of the 2024 season, added: “I’m really excited by the challenge of getting Wokingham back where it belongs – in the Premier League. I’ve enjoyed my time with the club immensely so far, and it’s energising to think about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
And Hampton isn’t the only new skipper at Sadler’s End for the 2025 season. Three graduates of Wokingham CC’s thriving youth section will take the reins for the club’s second, third and fourth XIs.
Jarrett Bobb will lead the Second XI for a fourth summer as they strive to gain promotion again from Thames Valley League Division 2A. This will prove a tough challenge, but it is one Bobb and his team will embrace after finishing third last time out.
Left-arm spinner, David Bishop, will captain the Third XI, continuing the good work he did when picking up the job after the start of last season. Bishop will be assisted by vice captain, Charlie Carter – another former youth player.
The third youth product captaining a team is off-spinner, Toby Barker, who will lead the Fourth XI for the first time. Barker will be looking forward to the challenge and in helping some of the club’s younger players gain the same experiences he benefitted from previously.
The Fifth XI will again be captained by Jitto Joseph. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be keen to build on last summer’s league position whilst balancing a desire to win with helping our younger players establish themselves in adult cricket.
Diptesh Patel will continue to oversee the Sixth XI and the important role of easing some of our younger players into adult cricket for the first time. Along with some experienced adults, Diptesh has created a collegiate atmosphere in this side to enable all involved to enjoy their cricket and play with smiles on their faces.
Wokingham’s Midweek XI will be led again by England Disability Cricket star, Anthony Clapham. ‘Claps’ will bring his usual infectious enthusiasm to this role, where he manages to challenge for honours in league and cup, while also giving playing opportunities to members from all senior teams.
