Upbeat Jones raring to go

GRANT JONES

CRICKET: SILVERWARE is the name of the game for Delph CC skipper Grant Jones as he enters the new season in bullish fashion.

Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership action resumes on Saturday, with Jones and his men travelling to Barkisland.

And 24 hours later they host holders Wrenthorpe in the Heavy Woollen Cup in what will be a stern test of their credentials.

“The cup game on Sunday is ideal in a way,” said Jones.

“Wrenthorpe are a great team — they have won the Heavy Woollen Cup four years in a row, so it is an opportunity to gauge where we are as a side.”

Jones revealed he has been champing at the bit since the curtain closed on the last campaign in September, when Delph secured a third-place finish in the table but failed to win a competition.

“I have missed it to be honest, it feels like a long time has passed,” he added.

“The aim is very clear — I want us to win something this season.

“A lot of teams have strengthened recently but on our day we are as good as anyone, so there is no reason why we cannot lift some silverware.”

Opening bowler Matt Norvall has departed the Huddersfield Road outfit due to work commitments. Steven Broadbent (17) steps up from the second team to fill the gap in an otherwise unchanged squad from last term.

Having signed up for another campaign, professional Bilal Khiljee will be hoping to lead the charge for honours again.

Two friendly victories have done no harm to confidence in the camp.

Delph made 195 for three against Saddleworth, which earned a three-wicket win, and recorded 135 for seven against Flowery Field before dismissing their opponents for 108.

Jones added: “The friendlies whetted the appetite, and now we are ready for the real thing.”