WEYMOUTH all-rounder Lloyd Beals admitted taking the Seasiders’ captaincy was an “easy decision”.

Beals succeeds previous skipper Harry Mitchell, who led the Redlands outfit for five seasons between 2018 and 2022.

Also assuming command of the Weymouth youth setup, Beals graduates into the most senior on-pitch role having led the Seasiders to Dorset T20 Trophy glory last season.

And the ambitious new captain outlined his plans for the future.

He told Echosport: “It’s a tough challenge I’m ready to tackle head on.

"The off-the-field future looks great for the club and there are plenty of hard workers on the committee all pushing to improve our fortunes.

READ MORE: Harry Mitchell steps down as Weymouth captain

“It was an easy decision, something I’ve been preparing for for a few seasons now.

“I’m so happy, proud, excited and nervous all at the same time to get going as captain of Weymouth Cricket Club.

“I look forward to the challenge of earning the trust of my peers, leading the club forwards on and off the field.

“My plans are to continue to grow cricket in the community, offer more for women and children, whilst building strong teams in the men’s section.

“I want both men’s teams challenging this year.

“Ambitions are to score 200-plus and take ten wickets every game and that’s the only focus, with Weymouth players to be littering the Div Two and Five Play-Cricket batting and bowling charts.

“But ultimately I’m looking for players that will chase the ball all the way until it goes for four, adhere to my plans and play to win.”

And ex-captain Mitchell backed Beals to succeed in his new role.

“He was the leading candidate for the job,” Mitchell said.

“He’s proven over the last few years, especially off the pitch, what a great egg he is in the changing room.

“He’s always there to help at youth training, the first at adult training and last to leave. He puts the most hard work in to his own game at the club.

“His record as captain, he’s won the T20 Trophy, he’s had two other games he’s won convincingly.

“He’s the perfect age, really likeable and for me he’s the perfect person to move the club forward.

“It’s an exciting time for the club with what’s going to happen at Redlands.”