SKIPPER Andrew Sutton believes there are no reasons why Barnt Green cannot be challenging for the Birmingham League Premier Division title this season.
Having finished fifth last term, Sutton is confident the Cherry Hill Road side have what it takes to push the likes of reigning champions Knowle & Dorridge as well as Berkswell and Shrewsbury for the league crown.
The Green begin the new campaign on Saturday at West Bromwich Dartmouth and Sutton is expected to hand new signing from Stourbridge Zain Ul-Hassan his debut.
Sutton will also be monitoring the availability of professionals Josh Poysden, Matt Lamb and Ed Pollock on a week-by-week basis.
“Improving on last season’s league position was something we looked at once everything was finished,” said Sutton.
“We were happy with our fifth-placed finish but one of things we highlighted was our inconsistency with the bat.
“There were games where we scored 300-plus and then had games where we were bowled out for less than 100.
“That is one of the reasons why Knowle & Dorridge won the league last year as they were so consistent.
“As our lads are a year older and more experienced hopefully we can improve our consistency.
“I can’t see why we should not be challenging for the title this year.”
Green then make the trip up the M42 to Nottingham on Sunday to take on Wollaton in the first round of the ECB National Club Championship.
“Usually we play a team from Division Two or Three from the Birmingham League so it’s something new for us to be travelling far on a Sunday morning,” said Sutton.
“Hopefully we can get a good cup run going this year as it’s always fun and provides a buzz going into games later in the season.”
