Braintree Cricket Club captain Nick Butler knows how important it is for his team to make a positive start to their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship season.

Preparations have been going well for the Panfield Lane side ahead of the start of their division two campaign tomorrow when they will host local rivals Dunmow in an opening day derby clash.

Butler, who has taken over the Braintree captaincy this year, said: “Preparation for the season has been excellent, we’ve got a really good team spirit not only within the first team but the whole club is buzzing with the promotion of the second team (to division five) last year.

“The firsts have worked really hard in pre-season both in nets and also a pre-season trip to Lancashire.

“The guys are now chomping at the bit to get started in earnest this Saturday.

“It’s extremely important to have a positive start to the season as we want to keep the positive mood within the club, build momentum and hopefully that will build a winning habit."

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