THE old order changed dramatically in the I'Anson Competition last season. Puttenham and Cranleigh St Andrews, two teams who came up through the ranks following the decision to relax the qualification rules more than a decade ago, finished champions and runners-up in Division One. Former champions and long-time members such as Grayshott, Tilford, Frensham, Chiddingfold and Headley were left in their wake. Momentously, The Bourne, the most successful club in the competition's history, were relegated and line up in Division Two when the season begins this Saturday, home to another fallen giant, Thursley. Puttenham successfully defended their first I'Anson title of 2003, overcoming serious setbacks such as a long-term injury to their best bowler, Adrian Beagley, and a devastating pavilion fire. John Crouch will lead his side in pursuit of the hat-trick – a rare feat indeed – and the champions host Chiddingfold in their first match. Cranleigh SA, who recorded one more win than Puttenham, are again captained by Stuart Ketley and entertain Badshot Lea on Saturday. The Bourne and Wood Street drop out of the top flight, to be replaced by debutants Grayswood, the Division Two champions, and yo-yo team Elstead. Both are true village sides and Grayswood's combination of experience and exciting youth proved irresistible last season. But both are likely to struggle against the big boys. Grayswood, captained by Adrian Kent, measure themselves against Andy Wheble's formidable Grayshott. Elstead, again led by Morgan Pearse, have an equally tough home game with Frensham. Will Harting find their level in Division Two? The West Sussex side have demolished most opponents on their way up the I'Anson ladder and were undefeated Division Three champions in 2004. Captained by Trevor Pay, their introduction to the higher division will be at the imposing Peper Harow ground. Tongham were nearly as dominant last summer and return to Division Two with hopes high. Dean Radtke's side travel to relegated Wood Street in their opening fixture. Ewhurst are another team hoping to be stretched a little more as they enter Division Three, having won the Bob Burchett Trophy by a mile last season. James Cation continues his successful captaincy and Ewhurst entertain Farncombe Wanderers this weekend. Pirbright are the other promoted side and Graham Jack's men tread new ground when they visit Headley II. Divisions Four and Five start on April 30, with a lone exception. Chiddingfold II play Grayshott III in a Division Five fixture this Saturday. It's a disappointing start for fixtures secretary Ian Webster, with Deepcut withdrawing their second XI from the competition. All games start at 1 pm in April, then reverting to a 2 pm start until after August 15. However, a new rule states that two clubs can agree on the start time of their choice, as long as the competition secretary is notified in advance. The annual I'Anson captains' meeting was being held at Kingsley pavilion last night (Thurs), starting at 8 pm.
