South Woodford skipper happy to be back in the big-time

5:10pm Thursday 8th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

SOUTH WOODFORD find themselves back in the big-time as they return to Premier League cricket with an away match against Brentwood on Saturday.

After an impressive campaign last year that saw the side win the Division One title by two points from Upminster, captain Richard Browne is confident the club can establish themselves in Essex's top league.

"We have some high hopes for the season," said Browne. "I don't want to look too far ahead but we'll take one game at a time and see how things go.

"It's a strong league but we are keen on establishing ourselves in it."

Browne has managed to keep the team from last season together and has added to the squad by bringing in bowler Irfan Ulhaq and Indian player Pritack Acharaya.

Acharaya has proved a revelation for South Woodford after turning up for training during the off-season, and after hitting an impressive 80 in a pre-season game, he is being tipped by his skipper to play a key role this year.

"He looks a very good player," Browne noted. "The team is definitely stronger than last season."

The Highfield Road club take on a strong Brentwood team this weekend in the campaign's opener and Browne is confident his team are up for the challenge.

"We have to be optimistic. We need to concentrate on our own game and not worry about what they're doing. If we can do that we will be fine."