Skelmanthorpe skipper James Crossland is keen to put a solid run of wins together.

Third bottom of the Drakes Premiership table at this early stage and out of the arrowselfdrive Sykes Cup, Crossland believes they have far from hit their potential so far.

He’s confident, however, that when everyone performs to their ability, the men from Lidgett Lane will start to hurt opponents.

New Zealander Tony Goodin has been brought in to spearhead the attack alongside Tuseif Arshad and Crossland himself, while former Saltaire man Irfan Amjad will be expected to carry the bulk of the batting load following the departures of Tim Sykes and Paul Cummins.

“We have a different look this season but we’ve got good ability and we certainly don’t want to let the season drift – we want to get a good run going,” said the skipper, who has just registered veteran campaigner Graeme Hurlbatt.

“Tony is a different sort of pro to what we’ve had in the last couple of years but he’s a strike bowler and we’re sure he’ll get his share of wickets.

“He hits a long ball, too, so we believe he’ll prove a very good addition.”

Having been ousted from the Cup by Rastrick, Skelmanthorpe will be putting a big effort into the Heavy Woollen and their next tie at New Farnley.

It’s in the Drakes, though, that Crossland is determined to make an impact.

“We’ve got a good bowling unit and plenty of ability in the batting,” he added.

“We’ve promoted Shaun Alderson and Liam Fletcher from the Seconds and they give us energy, and we are expecting big things from ‘Irf’ and Bjorn Taylor.

“Yaasar Imtiaz, too, our Yorkshire prospect, has come on leaps and bounds and he looks a fantastic player this season. His batting is particularly good and his off-spin has improved a lot.

“He bowls it flatter than ‘Ingy’ (Josh Ingham) and turns it a bit, so he’s a useful lad to have around. We’ve also signed Johnny Hart from Shelley and he can bowl as well, so I think we are okay on that score.

“We can improve the batting, but that will come naturally when everyone contributes down the order like they are capable of doing.”

Crossland is happy with the new points system and playing regulations.

“I think we should have had them in five years ago - I like them,” he explained.

“I think it brings a lot to the game and keeps you thinking as a captain and, even when you are losing, you have to keep your eye on the fact you can pick up two bonus points, so it’s very positive.”