SOUTH Wilts batsman Russell Rowe has been handed the Wiltshire captaincy for the third consecutive season.

Rowe, 29, has played for the county since 1994 and is the team's opening batsman and leading run scorer for the past two seasons. He said: "I am delighted to be picked as captain for a third year. I hope that I can continue the success that we have experienced during the last two seasons."

Last year Rowe guided the side to a semi final in the Minor Counties Cup where they unfortunately went out to Northamptonshire.

Rowe, who lives in Winslow near Salisbury, said: "I think that we will do well in that cup again. I have a tough winter ahead of me as I have to convince a few players to play for us again next summer. It will be worth all my efforts when we start winning games. I can't wait to start the season again.

"I would like to think that I had some influence in our success last year."

Rowe's highlight as captain was in 2002. It was his first game as skipper against Wales in the Minor Counties Cup. Wiltshire won the game and Rowe hit and unbeaten 128, which is his highest ever total for the county.

He will lead the county out in May against Kent in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Cup match at the West Wilts ground in Salisbury.