THE new captain of Derbyshire women's team said she has put together a strong team – with a mix of old and new faces – for this year's AEGON Summer County Cup.
Gemma Praditngam has been playing for the county since she was 13 and has now been selected to lead Derbyshire to victory in West Yorkshire next week.
Last July, the team were relegated for the second year running after two straight defeats in Division 5A.
It means they will be competing for promotion against seven other teams in Group 6 when they travel to Ilkley – which follows a round-robin mini-group and knock-out stage format.
Also in their division are Shropshire, Cornwall, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Oxfordshire.
But Praditngam, 22, fancies her side's chances.
"We've been unlucky in the past few years because we've not always had all the players available," she said.
"But we've got a strong team this year and I really do think we can challenge for promotion.
"I always enjoying going to County Week but I am more nervous about it this year because of being captain.
"In some ways, it doesn't feel like I am because there's so many other things to think about but, at the same time, it feels like a challenge when you've played under three previous captains before – who have all added something to the team.
"But I hope my experience and rapport with the other players will help and I'm definitely open to new ideas, so it'll be fun working together as a team."
Praditngam's team will be made up of herself, Sarah Allan, Kathryn Cook, Katie Higson, Ceire Mullins, Danielle Pym, Alexandra Valokova, Becky Williams and Katy Wilson.
Each day, sides participating in County Week play nine rubbers to determine the winner, with six players teaming up to make three pairs who contest three doubles matches each.
Praditngam said: "We've got one player who is representing Derbyshire for the first time and another who is playing in the seniors for the first time, so there's that nice feeling of passing on a beacon.
"It can sometimes be a bit dodgy bringing in new players but our young girls are very mature and are playing in tournaments abroad, so they should be fine.
"They'll be a bit of change throughout because Katy Wilson is leaving on Wednesday, Katie Higson on Thursday, and Sarah Allan is only available on Thursday and Friday.
"But it means we have a strong team throughout and the team spirit is great anyway."
Praditngam, formerly of Shardlow but who now lives in Wollaton, said she was surprised when she was asked to be county captain.
The former Derbyshire women's tennis player of the year award recipient said: "I didn't know what to say to begin with but then I felt proud.
"I've only really brought one new player into the team but, to be honest, there's a good vibe among the players and a mutual like for each other, so I've not needed to do much.
"Hopefully, I can do a good job but we'll just have to see how it goes!"
