Greg Harris

WALTHAMSTOW captain Greg Harris is tipping his side as outsiders for promotion after managing a solid fourth place finish last season.

Stow take on Old Southendians in their first league fixture of the year on Saturday, and after bringing in Australian batsman Sam Hagdorn, Harris is confident his side can build on last year's strong showing.

"Our aim is definitely to achieve a similar position this year, although if we play well there's a good chance we could push the top two for promotion," Harris said.

"Sam (Hagdorn) looks to be an excellent addition and hopefully he will bring some quality to the batting order."

Walthamstow have parted company with key players Menno Gazendam and Marco Hilario. Gazendam has moved to South Africa while Hilario has switched to Loughton, and although Harris acknowledges their loss is a blow, he believes his side still has what it takes.

He said: "They were two good players for the team, but we have some promising young players coming through to replace them."

The first visitors to Greenaway Avenue are newly-promoted Old Southendians and Harris is wary of the unknown quantity the new boys will provide.

He said: "They have just come up so it's difficult to know how they will play, but I'm sure they will be full confidence," he warned.

"But if we play to our best, I'm sure we have what it takes to get off to a winning start."

5:03pm Thursday 8th May 2008

Print

Email this