DAISY Hill will look to build on their impressive start to the season when they host Darcy Lever tomorrow.

The Westhoughton men kicked off the season last weekend with an impressive victory over Little Hulton to suggest a better campaign than last term.

Daisy finished fifth from bottom then but have strengthened their squad in the winter with the signings of Amjad Khan, Sean Brooks, Paul Hart and Mark Atherton and no players leaving.

With four new clubs joining the Association this year, bringing the total up to 18, and two divisions planned for next season, Daisy have set out their stall to be in the upper section.

To do that, teams either have to finish in the top six or in the middle six and be successful in an end-of-season mini-league.

“The main aim, without aiming too high is getting in the top six,” said Daisy captain Mark Wood, pictured.

“We have a stronger side this year and we want to be in the mix for the top six so we will be in the top division next year. We have not lost any players and have brought players in, so we have more options throughout the first and second teams.”

Wood was pleased with the opening-day win, and is urging his side to follow up with another victory against Darcy Lever tomorrow.

“We bowled them out for 120 and won by five wickets with 15 overs or so left,” he said.

“All the new players played except Sean Brooks and they all contributed.

“Amjad took six wickets, Paul Hart took three wickets and Mark Atherton was our top scorer with 23.

“We were confident of getting a win. It was a tricky start at Little Hulton because they are always a decent side but it went better than I thought. When you are bowling teams out for just over 100 it’s a good thing, and we were missing two or three players.

“We won’t get too far ahead of ourselves though, it’s only one game and the realistic target is top six and then see where we go from there.

“It would be nice to also have a good cup run because we never seem to have a decent run in the cup, just a couple of semi-finals and a lot of first-round exits.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, Wood added: “Darcy Lever won’t be easy.

“They are not going to hand the win to you, you’ll have to go and win.

“Nick Fawcett is back there now who I grew up playing with through the junior ranks and he plays serious cricket.”

 

Weekend fixtures 

TOMORROW
 

Adlington v Walshaw, Astley & Tyldesley v Winton, Atherton v Swinton Moorside, Blackrod v Lostock, Daisy Hill v Darcy Lever, Elton v Golborne, Flixton v Edgworth, Standish v Bury, Worsley v Little Hulton.
 

SUNDAY
Cross Cup Preliminary round

Astley & Tyldesley v Winton, Darcy Lever v Standish.