One of Shropshire’s leading cricket clubs will have a new captain at the helm next season after Anthony O’Connor stepped down as Wellington skipper.

The 31-year-old has ended his six year tenure at the Orleton Park helm after his most successful season in the hot-seat, guiding Wellington to second in the Birmingham League premier division table.

“I just felt it was time for a change,” said O’Connor, who topped the premier division bowling averages last season after his 16 matches yielded 25 wickets at 15.84 runs each.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and when we did so well this season, I did have a few second thoughts about whether to stay in the job.

“But I decided to stick with my original decision.”

O’Connor – who will continue to play for the club – took over from Gavin Byram in 2006 and, while his side were relegated the following year, he returned them to the top flight in 2009.

“It was a brave decision to take the job and following Gavin were big shoes to fill,” said long-serving player Mark Downes.

“But he has thrown his heart and soul into it and has done a brilliant job.”

This season’s vice-captain Wendell Wagner is favourite to succeed O’Connor.

But he will have to do without club professional Bilal Shafayat after the former Northants and Notts star signed for his childhood club West Indian Cavaliers.