FRINTON cricketer Dan Carter has relished his first season in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League.

And after playing a pivotal role in helping his side finish as runners-up, he insists the team can go from strength-to-strength next year.

Carter has just finished his second season with the Ashlyns Road club, having previously been at Elmstead Grasshoppers.

In his first year he helped them gain promotion after finishing as Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship champions.

Now Carter and his team-mates have defied all odds by excelling in their first year in the Premier League.

“It went so well,” said the 21-year-old, who lives in Brightlingsea. “I’ve enjoyed the longer format of the game and improved during the season.

“Twenty wickets was my goal at the start and I achieved that, so I was really pleased with my contribution.

“I need to improve on my strength so I can bowl longer and quicker spells.

“But whenever I’ve been asked to bowl, I feel I’ve done well and taken wickets in most games.

“It was a big step up, bowling at batsmen who have played for county and Minor Counties cricket.

“But I feel I bowled consistently well and managed to take wickets in the process.

“It’s been great being part of a bowling attack with the likes of Merv (Westfield), Gi (Dilruk) and Kyran (Young). They’re great players who I can learn a lot from, both in training and games, as they’ve played a lot of cricket at a high level.”

Carter believes his side can challenge for next year’s Premier League title.

“At the start of the season, our aim was just to stay in the league,” he said.

“No-one imagined we’d finish second, so I’m proud to be part of a team that exceeded expectations.

“I definitely think we can challenge for the title next season, but it will be tough for us as teams will know more about us.”

Former Colne Community School and College student Carter started playing colts cricket at Brightlingsea before moving to Elmstead.

“I broke into the senior side and had many happy years learning from all the experienced players and enjoying playing with all my mates,” he said.

“Then I made the hard decision to leave and try and play at a higher level with Frinton.

“After managing to get promoted in my first season and to now be playing in the Premier League, I think I made a great decision and my game has improved a lot.”