CHRIS Downham has handed the mantle of Calne captain over to batsman Dan Knight, follwing his side’s 33-run loss to Great Bedwyn on Saturday.

“We’ve not had a good start to the season and I want to give someone else a chance to be in charge,” said Downham “I’ll concentrate on playing – Dan’s a lot younger and he’s probably got a bit more energy.”

Great Bedwyn batted first after winning the toss, with Rob Palmer smashing 128 and Chris Blundy making 90, as the hosts posted 285-6.

Downham made 84 for Calne and Jordan Butler hit 50 in reply, but the hosts’ Carl Lay took four wickets, as the visitors were all out for 252 in 45 overs.

“It was a terrific game to be involved in and it was Rob Palmer who did the damage for them – he’s the best batsman in the division by a metric mile,” said the former Calne captain.

Great Bedwyn skipper George Stone agreed and also singled out his rookie bowler for praise.

“Rob Palmer is integral to our game but Carl Lay also did really well on the day,” he said.

“It was his first game since coming up from the seconds and it was great because he’s only a part-time bowler.’’