Promotion the target says Walters
PAUL Walters is embarking upon his third year as Maghull captain - after being at the club “forever” - and he’s aiming for promotion back to the first division.
Maghull were relegated back in 2016, and missed out on an instant return by just six points last season.
And despite a defeat to Old Xaverians CC last weekend, Walters remains upbeat after his team’s chances this campaign.
“It’s been an interesting start with two dramatic games,” he said.
“Maghull tied their opening match of the season with Sutton St. Helens, with both sides bowled out for 136.
“It’s been good in parts and not so good in others, perhaps with a bit of early season rustiness. That’s cost us points, but we haven’t been playing too badly.”
And promotion is the expectation for Maghull this year - with Walters also eyeing a run in one of the knockout competitions.
“The average age of this team is quite young but we’ve all been together for three seasons.
“We lost a lot of players three or four years ago and that set the club back a bit.
“Since then it’s been all about rebuilding.
“The main target for this season is to get promoted, and then it would be nice to have a good run in one of the T20 cups as well.”
If Maghull are to achieve Walters’ aims, the skipper believes two players could be key to their success.
“Generally it’ll be a team effort but there are a few that stand out.
“We’ve got Tony Molloy he’s a good player. He’s an allrounder.
“Bowling is his main talent but he’s not bad with the bat too.
“We’ve also got Joe Campbell, and I think the two of them, if we’re to get promoted, will be the stars of the show.”
Maghull face Parkfield Liscard at home on Saturday, and Walters believes they could have done without the absence of Liam Johnson, who took 3-40 last weekend.
“It’ll be a similar XI. We’ve got a few lads who, through availability, are going to miss out but then we’ve also got a few lads coming back.
“I think we’ll miss Liam Johnson after his performance at the weekend though.
“He’s a good all-round legspinner so he’ll be a big loss but I’m sure we can cope with it.”