ALL-ROUNDER Richard Foley has been called up to the Wiltshire team less than a year after playing village cricket.

Foley, who last played for Wiltshire in 1997, moved back to Corsham this season in a bid to regain a place in the county side.

But he could never have expected such a rapid recall after his return to top-flight cricket from Box.

The 31-year-old has been in great form with bat and ball this season and was recommended to Wiltshire manager Brian White by his captain and county wicketkeeper Neil Shardlow. He will now join up with the team for the clash with Cornwall at Trowbridge's County Ground on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Foley said: "I'm chuffed to bits. It has come a bit sooner than what I thought, but when they come calling you can't say no. Luckily I've got the time off work at Cooper-Avon in Melksham because you normally have to give two weeks' notice. But when they heard what I would be doing they were happy to say yes."

Foley first left Corsham for Chippenham in 1994 and has since played at Bath as well as Box. The village side were relegated back to the Wiltshire League last season, but Foley, who has played six times for Wiltshire, had planned to leave regardless.

He said: "I was thinking about moving back to Corsham anyway. I was getting a bit frustrated at Box because you've got to be playing at a higher level to get into the county side.

"But I thought it might take me a year to get back for Wiltshire because I had to establish myself in Corsham's side first."

With a batting average of 41.4, a highest score of 104, and 14 wickets at 17.57 this season, Foley's return to Station Road has been a real success story. An injury to Wiltshire vice-captain Jason Searle has seen him included in the team to face Cornwall and he is determined his return will not be a one-off.

He said: "I've been batting and bowling quite well this season and it's up to me now to show what I can do. It was Neil Shardlow, our captain at Corsham, who put in a good word for me so he must have been pleased with my form so far."

"They wanted a spinning option and they want me to bat in the middle order. I'm quite nervous about the game, but I'm excited as well.

"Trowbridge was where I made my debut against Cheshire 10 years ago so it's a bit of dj vu that I'll be back there again. My career has turned a full circle."