CAPTAIN David Tonge says the test of facing flying league leaders Horwich RMI tomorrow could be the perfect game for Farnworth Social Circle.

After their own three-game winning start to the Premiership season, Social Circle suffered a heavy nine-wicket defeat against champions Walkden last weekend – their first of the league campaign.

It was naturally a disappointing day for the skipper and opener who was out for a duck as Social Circle uncharacteristically scored just 50 all out with only Jamie Bohannon reaching double figures.

But rather than dwell on what he hopes was an off-day, Tonge – who took over the captaincy from Tim Barrow this season – says it can fire up the young side ahead of the trip to unbeaten Horwich RMI.

He told The Bolton News: “Of course, it was disappointing against Walkden.

“It was a tricky wicket and neither skipper really wanted to win the toss and have to make a decision and when we lost I went for a bat.

“But bad shot selections coupled with some good Walkden bowling saw us out cheaply.

“It was over quickly but we move on and I have belief in this young team.

“We know Horwich are a good side and are flying but we are also a good team and we go there confident – it may be just what we need to focus after last week’s setback.

“There is no panic – it’s early days and we have won three out of four which is a good start in a league where we know there are a lot of good teams who can beat each other on any given day – we would have taken that start.”

The young side has plenty of players promoted through the ranks who are joined by older heads like former skipper Tim Barrow.

And with talent like new overseas star, Australian Coby Cornish, doing well so far, Tonge feels there is the right blend in the dressing room for the challenges ahead.

He added: “We lost around 12 to 14 players from the club’s ranks in the winter which is not ideal when you are looking to build – especially when you don;t have blank chequebook to draft in replacements.

“But Coby has come in and done well and having Tim back in the first team is a help.

“There are players in their early twenties but it is a chance for them to grasp the opportunity and hopefully they will show they can do that like they did in the first three matches.”

Social Circle are on the road twice in two days this weekend with tomorrow’s league outing at Horwich RMI preceded by tonight’s T20 tie at Little Hulton, whom they beat on home soil just a week ago.