East Kilbride Cricket Club make their return to the top flight on Saturday and all-rounder Josh Johnston insists their focus will be on maintaining their place in the league for next season.
The Torrance House side travel to Greenock for their Western District Premier opener and after managing to secure promotion via the runners-up spot in Division One last season, Johnston said: “I’m always confident and, on paper, our team is as good as any in this league.
“However, for our first season back in the Premier I think our main focus is to stay there.
“Once we get a few wins under our belts there is no reason why we can’t be pushing for a top spot.
“A lot of the team have been here before and we know what it takes to be a Premier League team – we just need to show that when we’re up against it we can come out on top.
“Personally, I’m really looking forward to it.
“The challenge of the top league is something I’ve always relished and it feels good to be back.”
There has been plenty of changes at the club during the close season with a new skipper appointed and a handful of signings coming in.
Qasim Sheikh has replaced Moneeb Iqbal as captain, although Iqbal will still play a vital role in the squad.
Asad Izaz, a middle order batsman, has joined from Drumpellier and Hafeez Muthair from Irvine.
Josh added: “Hafeez is a handy left arm spinner and both he and Asad will give us some depth in all departments.
“The team is looking fit and healthy after a tough winter regime.
“There’s a few handy youngsters who have also joined the ranks to bolster the pool of players, which is great.”
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Greenock, Johnston, who has been part of the senior team for seven years, believes they face a tough start to the campaign.
“There isn’t any easy games of cricket and Greenock will be no exception to that,” he stressed.
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“Being back in the Premier League we will need to prove why we deserve to be here.
“Greenock look a decent side and have brought over a pro and amateur to strengthen their squad.
“It will be a tough test first up but I’m confident we can go there and bring back the win.
“It’s a great place to play cricket so we just need to go out, enjoy it and play to our strengths.”
The action at Glenpark on Saturday starts at noon.
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