West Essex skipper Vowels happy with his new boys
4:52pm Thursday 8th May 2008
WEST ESSEX skipper Mark Vowels is hoping some new additions will help the Rolls Park boys bounce back to Division Two.
The Highams Park-based club endured a difficult first campaign in the Shepherd Neame Essex League's basement division in 2007, eventually finishing a disappointing seventh.
But a strengthening programme over the winter including the arrival of former Essex and England all-rounder Gareth Jenkins, has given Vowels the air of optimism ahead of the 2008 season.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to the season now and can't wait to get going.
"There is a real buzz about the club and we've strengthened really well for the new season.
"The arrival of Gareth is obviously a big plus and while he has been out of the game for a while anyone who has played for England as a youngster and then Essex is surely going to strengthen us.
"I'm sure after a few weeks that once he has shaken off the rust he will be a real handful in this division.
"We've also brought in South African Ryno Roets as our overseas player and Pronob Roy, who has joined us from Woodford Green has already added some real bite to our attack.
"So I strongly believe that if I can get my strongest team out every week we can have a real crack at getting out of this division."
And reflecting on the opening game of the season at Woodford Green, Vowles added: "It is nice to start off with a derby.
"I'm sure it will be a real test because these games are never easy and can go either way on the day. But i'm confident that we can get off to a good start."