Bell sets Park top flight target

8:10am Tuesday 29th April 2008

New Worcester Park skipper Rob Bell has given his players a ringing endorsement ahead of the new Division Three season.

Paceman Bell helped Normandy to second place in the Premier Division last year and says Park have the ability to join his former club in the top-flight.

"If the guys go out and play to their ability and play hard, we will win enough games to get promoted, but the aim is to go beyond that," said Bell.

"After last season, when we had to fight to avoid relegation, it will be important to start well but I see no reason why we cannot be pushing for Premier League status in three years time."

Bell's aim resonates with the club's long-term vision; the ECB has already identified Park as a Focus Club and the Green Lane outfit is now in the process of applying for Clubmark status.

The core of this season's first XI squad has also been busy over the winter and reached the ECB six-a-side National Finals at Lord's, where they lost in the semi-finals.

The addition of Bell, who will open the bowling with Gary Marshall, means Park have chosen not to employ an overseas player this summer but will rely once again on home-grown talent.

Joe Hill will renew his successful partnership of 2006 at the top of the batting-order with Rob Waite, who will do well to improve on last year's return of 550 runs at an average of 36.67.

And much will hinge again on the all-round form of Marshall and Rob Hill, whose spin will be complemented by the variety offered by Nicky Ball and Aidan Bell.

"Each top-six batsman knows what is expected of him," said Bell, who is aiming to pick from a squad of 13 or 14 players rather than the 21 used last summer.

"I want them to be greedy, to take on responsibility and not give it away when they get a start.

"Likewise, I don't want the bowlers to try and make things happen all of the time; I want them to bowl to their fields rather than try to send down six jaffers every over."

Park begin their Championship season on May 10 with a trip to Leatherhead & Cobham who last year were promoted from division four as champions.

Meanwhile, skipper Johnny Evans wants the second XI to cement a place in division one after clinching promotion last year as division two runners-up.

The batting line-up, led by Ian Burrows and Evans, will have to produce on a more consistent basis if the side is to capitalise on its bowling strength.

Dom Fell, who snared 31 wickets last year, will team up with Chris Brassington in an attack that will depend heavily on contributions from Chris Turner and John Rivenall.

The exit of James Cameron and Matt Newell, to Farnham and Mitcham respectively, clears the way for emerging players such as Tom Latham to make their mark.

The third XI will be aiming to improve on last year's below-par 12th-placed finish in division one under the guidance of new captain Chris Jackson.

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