NEW Rolleston captain Mick Haynes is aiming for promotion in his first season in charge — but reckons his side could be seen as a prize scalp.
The Willows outfit were relegated from Division One of the Derbyshire County League last season after a difficult and confidence-sapping campaign.
Now, Haynes — an experienced pace bowler who represented Burton in the high-standard Central League — wants to lead the club back up at the first time of asking.
“Bouncing straight back is the aim,” said the 46-year-old seamer, who played second XI cricket for Derbyshire. “All the lads are staying with us — they’ve said they’re the ones who took us down to Division Two, and they’ll be the ones to take us back up.
“Looking at the teams in it, it won’t be easy and people may be looking at us as the team to beat.
“Whatever happens, if we get promoted we will have earned it.
“There are two or three signings in the pipeline, too, and hopefully they’ll be on board in January or February.”
Rolleston struggled from the midpoint of the 2010 season and never really got going in 2011.
They eventually dropped out of Division One, where they have competed since 2004 against the likes of Ticknall, Matlock and Clifton.
“I think the problem was a lack of confidence,” said Haynes. “They were having a fairly good season in 2010 and then they plummeted in the second half of the season.
“They just didn’t recover. The lads are good enough and can hold their own in Division One with a professional added to the team.”
There will be no pro next season, but the likes of prolific batsman Gareth Marshall and gifted all-rounder Alex Britton will remain.
“Alex lost a lot by being captain,” said former Lullington man Haynes. “It affects any captain, whatever level of cricket they play. He didn’t bowl himself enough and dropped himself down the order.”
One aspect of cricket Haynes has targeted for improvement is a professional attitude around the Willows.
“I want to try to bring a bit of professionalism and discipline into the club and first-team,” he said. “There hasn’t been the competition for places we need either — I want 15 or 16 competing to be in the first XI, not 11 or 12.”
Rolleston will face local rivals Tutbury after being relegated and Haynes reckons the derby clash could add some spice to the season, with members of both sides often team-mates in the football world.
“The younger lads knock about together,” he said. “A little bit of rivalry always helps and a bit of spice is great with a local derby.
“And looking at the results, I think we owe them one!” As well as seeking promotion, Rolleston will play a fixture against the MCC in the middle of summer to celebrated the club’s 125th anniversary.
Meanwhile, Marshall has been named as vice-captain of the first team, with old hand Paul Allen as his deputy. Clive Jacobs will be head coach.
Anton Williams will once again lead the second XI, backed up by Richard Wyatt.
Ady Statham will be third XI skipper, with Louis Burrows as vice-captain.
Veteran Mick Acton will lead the fourth XI.
The club will once again run youth teams from kwik cricket under-10s through to under-17s Winter nets start in February at John Port School. Any players — of any age or standard — interested in joining the club should contact Trevor Foster on trevor.foster@totalise.co.uk.
