SAM Kershaw has stepped down as Martinstown captain after only four games of the Dorset Premier League season.

His decision comes after the 100-run loss to Dorchester on Saturday, Martinstown’s third defeat in four games.

It brings to an end his tenure, which began in the 2019 season after succeeding Ed Nichols.

Kershaw will continue to play and will be jointly replaced as captain by batter Will Maltby, skipper on occasion in 2021, and left-arm spinner Charlie Durant.

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Speaking to Echosport about relinquishing captaincy duties, Kershaw gave a candid response.

He said: “I’m stepping away now. I’ve just fallen out of love with cricket. I wasn’t too keen to do (the captaincy) this year but I thought I’d try one more year.

“It’s time for someone else to try and change how we play. Will and Charlie are going to take it on between them and hopefully move the club forward with a fresh set of eyes.

“They’re both looking forward to it, so hopefully they can change our season.”

He added: “It was always going to be, regardless of (Saturday’s) result, it was just how I felt.

“I’ll be available every week but for my own brain I need to take a step back. It’s having a negative impact on the team at the moment.

“It’s for me and for the betterment of the club. It’s a club I’ve played for from a very young age.

“It’s always been a pleasure to do it but I think it’s run its course now and it’s time for someone else to give it a go.”