IAN Ferguson has retained top spot in the latest Warwickshire ranking list.
The Stirchley-based star has held off a double challenge from Colebridge and British League team-mate Amann Ubhi and Adrian Pilgrim (Rugby).
The vast experience of talented ‘Fergie’ has proved decisive, with current Warwickshire champion Ubhi having to wait at least another season to top the pile.
Ferguson is delighted that his young protégé will be alongside him in the county first team squad which also includes Matthew Outhwaite (Rugby) who is another talented teenager coming through.
The new kids on the block will be expected to push Ferguson and Pilgrim down the list next time round, but don’t bet on it.
Michael Browne (Smiths Wood) is the next Birmingham player in the list at eight, with Steve Bertie (Hamstead) one place lower.
Jack Williamson (Beaufort Sports), who has helped his club become a top-four side in the Premier Division of the Birmingham League, enters the list at 11.
Ed Lynn (Colebridge) who appears to be on a one-man crusade to get youngsters to take up the sport in Birmingham is at 12.
The ETTA coach has maintained a high standard as a player despite his heavy coaching workload.
Navinder Mattharu, who has returned to the Colebridge club after completing his university studies recently, is in at 14.
Nabil Khalfey (Hamstead), Lester Bertie (Hamstead) and Alan Caffrey (Smiths Wood) are also in the top 20.
England No.1, Kelly Sibley, will not be available due to international commitments so former England U21 and current British Police champion Melanie Farquahar will be the top woman player in the county first team.
Farquahar is yet another Colebridge player at the top of her game and youngster Charlotte Spencer (Leamington) will join her in the first team.
Helen Turner (Smiths Wood) is at five with clubmate Dawn Sagoo at seven.
Colebridge youngster, Sanika Karandikar, continues her improvement by moving up to eight.