Loughton looking to bounce back

5:02pm Thursday 8th May 2008

LOUGHTON skipper Michael Hughes has overseen a rejuvenation of the side that were relegated from Division One last season and has turned them into promotion-chasers.

The club suffered their second successive relegation, having fallen all the way from the Premier Division, but Hughes has breathed new life into the Uplands side that has seen the introduction of several new players.

"We were far too complacent this year," Hughes said. "I came in on the premise that the club would do things professionally, and we are now training twice a week and the team looks in good order now.

"We've brought in three players which have freshened things up and I think the squad we have now are capable of seeing us back up into Division One."

Australian paceman Kelvy Pickering has joined the revolution as the club's overseas player, while Essex's top run scorer last season Dan Sibbley has arrived from rivals Epping and all-rounder Usman Jan has also come in.

Loughton will take on fellow former Division One boys Shenfield on Saturday in the league's opening fixture; a game Hughes was keen to avoid first up, but one which he has thrived on in the past, hitting knocks of 80 and 105 against them last season.

He said: "From a personal point of view I've got a good record against Shenfield but it will be a tough game.

"After some good results up to now, the team are confident of getting a positive result and getting into a winning habit."

Hughes was quick to point out that the club's golden days are well and truly behind them and emphasised the importance of looking to the future and starting afresh.

"We can't dwell on the past, that's all behind us now. We need to look ahead to what we can do with the squad we have and start from the beginning."

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