Witham Cricket Club aren’t making any big statements of intent but they do want to carry on from where they left off in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship last year.

A phenomenal year saw Witham push eventual division one champions Sudbury almost to the final ball of the season as they secured a highest-ever finish in second spot.

And while skipper Jake Wakelin isn’t setting out any title ambitions this year, he wants his team to build on their achievements of 2015, starting with their season’s opener at Hadleigh tomorrow.

He said: “The weather hasn’t been the best for pre-season preparations but the boys are in great spirit and we’re all looking forward to it.

“We did really well last year.

“I wouldn’t say we over-achieved, but no-one thought we would push a team like Sudbury all the way like we did.

“We always knew we had the potential, but it really clicked for us.

“However, we’re not setting any targets this year as you only set yourself up for a fall so we’ll just go out to enjoy it like we did last year.

“We’ve had a few changes with new players coming in so I’d say we’re looking even stronger.

“Greg Taylor is back after a year of injuries when he didn’t play at all.

“He broke his elbow in training and then when he did come back, he did his ankle so he’ll be like a new player for us.

“He’s been such a big player for us over the years as an all-rounder and it’s great to have him back.

“We’re also pleased to have a new overseas player on board – Adrian Chad.

“He’s from Australia and is a bowling all-rounder. He has already met up with the boys and fitted in really well, which is important as we’re such a close-knit group. And the other big change is that we’ve got Carl Bragg coming in after he decided to leave Coggeshall.

“We’re really happy with how things are looking.”