MOSELEY Cricket Club are gearing up for their second successive season in the Birmingham & District Premier Division, which gets under way with a trip to Dorridge on Saturday (noon).
The Griffs performed excellently upon their return to the Premier League and hope to repeat the successes of the last campaign this time out.
Club captain Fred Eburah offered his thoughts on the forthcoming season and says his side are under no illusions to the wonders that a good start can have on the rest of the campaign.
“We know that this season will be just as tough as we look to continue to establish ourselves at this level and emulate our achievements last year.
“It will no doubt be a tight league and all 12 teams are usually capable of beating each other on their day, so a positive start and points on the board from our early fixtures will be key.”
Eburah said the preparations leading up to the big kick-off on Saturday have gone according to plan and is quietly confident about Moseley’s chances with the players that the Griffs have in their ranks.
“We have had a busy winter and we are all very excited about the season ahead following hard work in the nets and our pre-season matches.
“First and foremost, to retain the core of our 1st XI with players like Rob Yates, Alex Thomson, Iman Kang and Usman Awan (vice-captain) was vital, but we have also added some quality players to the group.
“Brinder Phagura (signed from West Bromwich Dartmouth) is one of the the best all-rounders in the league and should add quality to our seam attack as well as runs to the middle order.
“Ben Griffin and Fahd Janjua (signed from Knowle & Dorridge) are both young lads with a point to prove at this level and will both be keen to impress.
“Finally, Boyd Rankin (Ireland and former England/Warwickshire) is a particularly exciting signing – a fast bowler with international pedigree and experience, who we are all excited to see steaming in down at Streetsbrook Road.”
He highlighted the impact Owais Akram and Hasnain Mahmood could have on the Griffs’ season and pinpoints them as two young prospects to watch.
Looking ahead to this weekend, the Moseley captain said: “We start at Dorridge, which is a tough start and has not been a happy hunting ground for us in years gone by.
“They will no doubt be just as keen as we are to start with a win, but we have to be confident now that we belong at this level and can set down an early marker by taking 20 points.
“We are all looking forward to it and can’t wait to get going.”
Email your club’s report and previews to [email protected]
