Chairman Rich Trapnell has decided to step down of Nailsea CC after 11 years at the helm.

His last season saw the North Somerset outfit claim a third successive promotion after a comprehensive six-wicket win against Stoke Bishop to claim the Bristol & District Division 10 title.

Trapnell began his association with the club in the late 1970, where he made his first team debut as a 15-year-old.

He went on to score over 11,000 runs, take over 200 wickets and 150 catches for the club, before finishing his playing days in 2008.

His highlights include captaining an under-17 side that won every one of their 17 games of the 1982 season and being part of fantastic sides that the club put out throughout the next decades.

Trpanell also played for the Bristol and District Representative side in 1987.

“I was very lucky to play with so many truly fantastic people, Simon Reeves and Mike Brimble were my first captains and they both showed huge faith in not just me, but so many of our younger players," Trapnell told North Somerset Times.

"Their legacy was to give youth a chance, something I know we are still very keen to continue."

Nailsea nearly went out of business in 2020 but after picking up two successive runners-up positions they claimed the crown last campaign to secure a place in Division Nine next year.

But, despite their recent struggles, Trapnell says there is a lot of excitement for the future.

“Having gone from running four Saturday sides to just one team in the space of a few seasons, the club was in dire straits," he added.

"Thankfully, through hard work and a very welcome influx of new players and some old faces, we ran two league sides and a third, friendly side, this season. Next year we intend running three league sides, as well as numerous youth sides and a T20 midweek side.”

Trapnell attributes the club’s revival on a strong nucleus of club stalwarts and the enthusiasm of director of cricket, Gary Phippen.

“Gaz is a bundle of energy, he has reinvigorated both the youth section and the senior sides with his planning and vision, which will hold the club in good stead for the future,” he said.

”Over recent times it has been great to hear so many comments from clubs near and far who have watched our situation over the last few years and now see us very much on a positive footing. I’m happy to step down with the club in good hands.”