Dean Suter has made the decision to step down as captain of Oswestry Cricket Club.

The popular “gloveman” who led Oswestry last season to their highest position ever in the Birmingham League and capped a fine season by being picked for Shropshire, cited personal reasons for his decision to resign.

Suter is planning to take an “indefinite break” from the game.

Club chairman, Chris Wiseman, applauded Suter for all of the success he has brought to the club.

He said: “We are very sorry to lose Dean, but fully respect his decision. He did a marvellous job last season both on and off the field, and played a very significant part in our success. We all wish him well for the future.”

Warrick Fynn, Oswestry’s talisman and county all-rounder, will take over the mantle of first team captain with Alex Davidson, who led the club’s second XI to promotion last year, being appointed vice-captain.

Suter’s announcement comes in the wake of Xavier Clarke’s decision to join Shifnal in the first division of the Birmingham Premier league, who have signed Joe Leach, the Worcestershire captain, for the new season.

The talented, former Worcester Academy player, who is currently playing in Australia, broke into the Shropshire side last season when he impressed.

He will be joined at the Priorslee Road club by his brother, Robbie, who at one stage, looked destined to return to Morda Road, following a season with Port Talbot.

Mr Wiseman added: “We were very much looking forward to Xavier and Robbie batting in our top four next season, but unfortunately it is not to be.

“They have made their decision and we must move on. We have a number of youngsters coming through who will be given every opportunity by Warrick”.

New captain Fynn and the senior squad will commence indoor practice at Ellesmere College on March 1.