New Roffey skipper expects tough time in hat-trick bid

The wicketkeeper, who has risen through the junior ranks at the club, has taken over the reins from Josh Fleming at the champions.

Davies admits there is some pressure and big boots to fill, but it is a job he has been aspiring to do.

He said: “We weren’t sure if I was going to take over and if I would be back from university and able to play the season, but I am. I am really excited, the team is still the same and Josh will be there, so we have a lot of experience.

“I have aspired to do it for the last couple of years. There is a little bit of pressure, but it’s all good. At the end of the day, it’s down to the team as well.

“Obviously, we are hoping to defend our title, but with the quality of teams this year, it is going to be very difficult.

“I think four or five sides will be looking to win the league. We are also looking to do well in the T20 this year.

“I feel we are a good enough side to do that, and we have been off our game in it for the last couple of years. We also want to continue our strong performance in the National Club Championship and go one further in that.”

Roffey will also be bidding to defend their title without star batsman Mike Norris, who has left for Ifield.

Batsman and seamer Liam Gibson is the club’s new Australian overseas, who comes from Sydney on the recommendation of last year’s import Ben Manenti.

Spinner Luke Barnard is back at the club with Davies believing their bowling line-up is a strong as ever.

On Norris’ departure, the skipper said: “It’s a great opportunity for one of the batsmen and five, six or seven to put some runs on the board.

“We still have Rohit Jagota and Josh - without the captaincy, I hope it will help his batting a bit, I just hope it doesn’t go the other way for me. Hopefully Liam can help out with the bat, he is a top-order batsman, so hopefully he will have a good season and get a lot of runs like Mike did.”

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