TROWBRIDGE CRICKET: TOM Edwards is predicting a bright future for Trowbridge after helping them to a five wicket win over Bredon on his return to the County Ground on Saturday.

The middle order batsman rejoined his home town club this summer, four years after leaving for Devizes, and hit an unbeaten 76 on his first home appearance.

Edwards, 25, had been at Trowbridge from the age of 11 until his departure in 2001 but he believes Saturday's match-winning knock was his highest ever first team score.

He reflects on a number of highs and lows during his previous spell at Trowbridge and believes the club is now heading in the right direction.

He said: "I was at the club when they won the Alliance League back in 1997 and played in every match in that season.

"But then the club went through a transitional stage. They lost nine first team players and suffered two relegations in a row. I was not enjoying it anymore.

"I felt I should have been playing at a higher standard and so went to Devizes thinking it would be all roses but it didn't turn out that way. I wasn't available all the time and things didn't really work out."

Edwards revealed he was tempted into re-joining the club by captain Richard Holbrook.

He said: "I played with Richard when I was just 16 and he phoned me up this summer and asked if I fancied coming back.

"He is a very good captain and I think his partnership with vice-captain Tom Oatley works very well. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good now.

"I believe things are looking very good for the future here. The youth set up is very important because we have a big catchment for young cricketers and it is about time we got that sorted.

"A couple of players have left the club and I think that has helped in bringing everyone together. The spirit is fantastic at the moment."

The win was Trowbridge's first in the Gloucester and Wilts Division One campaign after the previous weekend's opening day defeat at Warminster.

Bredon were put into bat and started strongly to reach 114-2, but with seamer Andy Hales bowling a tight line the runs dried up and they finished on 195-8.

Captain Richard Holbrook was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 4-53, while Hales and Darryl Brown grabbed two wickets apiece.

In reply, Trowbridge looked in trouble at 37-3 but a quick fire 32 by Australian Brown helped steady the ship before Edwards (76 not out) and Des Gingell (31) steered Trowbridge towards victory.

Holbrook (16 not out) hit the winning runs as they reached their target with five wickets and five overs remaining.

Holbrook, said: "It is always a relief to get that first win under your belt. They started strongly but the introduction of our senior bowler, Andy Hales, swung the game. Tom Edwards and Des Gingell batted brilliantly and in the end it was a comfortable victory."

l Trowbridge travel to Colwall tomorrow.