PAUL Payne is Weymouth Cricket Club's new first team captain.

The top order batsman and leg spin bowler was voted in by members during the Seasiders' AGM at Redlands.

Former Terras goalkeeper Payne replaces Ben Lawes who has stood down from the post for personal reasons.

"It's a great honour," said Payne. "Playing Cricket for my hometown team means a great deal to me but being captain is that extra bit special.

"It's a position I've always felt I could hold one day and I'm delighted to now have been given the opportunity by the club's members. I had the chance to do the job last year but at that time I had football commitments with the Terras and therefore felt I couldn't give the required commitment needed to run the side.

"However, Ben Lawes did a terrific job and I think we can be considered unlucky not to have won the Dorset Premier Division title under his leadership.

"He will be a hard act to follow but I'm looking forward to the challenge and obviously I'll be talking to him over the coming months to get some help and advice.

"Doubtless I will have my own way of doing things and certainly there are some different things I want to implement. But my aim remains the same as Ben's and other captains before him and that is to win the championship and push the club on towards its dream of playing at a higher level."

Payne, who has skippered the Seasiders' Sunday side and Dorchester Evening League outfit Weymouth Tandoori on a regular basis, will be assisted next season by new vice-captain Dean Janaway.

The left-handed opener was also voted in at the AGM after David Pearce resigned the position due to increased work commitments.

Payne added: "I have known Dean and played cricket with him for many, many years and I'm sure we will work well together on the pitch as captain and vice-captain."

Meanwhile, Lawes said: "I'd would like to thank all the players and committee members for all their help and support in 2004 and I wish Paul all the best for next season."

With Craig Croxford having returned to Australia, Weymouth's second team will be captained in Division One next season by fellow Aussie Cube Whyte, while the thirds will be led by Ed Jones.