DAVID Bracewell is hoping his first season as captain will bring some silverware to Enfield.
The Dill Hall Lane side agonisingly missed out on a Worsley Cup final appearance last season after losing in a 600-run thriller in the penultimate ball to eventual winners Lowerhouse.
And, with a settled side, the 25-year-old is eyeing the cup competition again.
"The problem last year was we had a Saturday and a Sunday side," said the new captain. "I think we had about five players that could play both days so this year we are working on having at least eight.
"And I think with a settled side we can try and go one step further and get to the final and finish in the top half of the league."
It wasn't a successful campaign in 2004 as Enfield finished in 13th place but their pro Alviro Petersen did the business for him. The South African got 1058 league runs and Bracewell is hoping for a repeat of that performance this summer.
"Alviro did well for us with the bat and it is good to have him back," he said. "We are used to have Martin (van Jaarsveld) who got over 1000 runs a season for us and around 50 wickets. I think Alviro got 24 league wickets so if he can increase that, it should be a good season."
Saying that Petersen did miss the opening six games last season and could miss a maximum of three this summer with the Twenty-20 competition in South Africa.
"If he reaches the final of that competition he will miss this weekend and next but hopefully by the middle of May we will be able to field our strongest side."
This has been boosted by the addition of former Church player Craig Fergusson - who left to join Stand last season - and Richard Lamb.
"Hopefully that will give us a more balanced side," continued the skipper. "Richard is a batman but has been injured so will miss the first few games.
"And Andy Barker should be back playing again soon. He has had a shoulder injury but should be back in a couple of weeks."
Bracewell has taken over the captaincy from Mas Ahmed who, because of work commitments, couldn't play many Saturday games.
"I am used to being captain in Mas's absence during games but am unaccustomed to all the preparations before the season starts," Bracewell said.
"There has been a lot of ringing round and trying to get players in. And sorting out things like kit sponsors - we have managed to attract some sponsors so we all have the same kit when travelling to games which will hopefully make us look more professional and more of a team."
And he is hoping this team work will pay off in the early part of the season - although Enfield have a tough start against Bacup on Sunday, followed by Haslingden and then Lowerhouse.
"It is a hard start for us," continued the skipper. "Last season I think we lost our first eight games and that meant we were playing catch-up all the time. It is important we get an early win that we can build on.
"Church showed what you can do last season by putting a run together and building on team spirit.
"Hopefully we have got a side here that we can build on for the next five years. We are a young side but if we can work together and improve year by year we will be okay."
Bracewell thinks current holders Haslingden will be strong again. "They didn't have a pro for most of last season but still won so it should be easier for them having a settled professional. And they have got Jimmy Hayhurst from Accrington. But there is also East Lancs and Lowerhouse."
