Hucknall looking up as Notts Premier League swings into action

After a summer of strengthening, captain Sam Johnson said: “Success for us, ideally, would be mid-table looking upwards at who we can catch rather than over our shoulders. That a big aim in terms of shifting the mentality.

“I am really confident with the lads we have managed to bring in and the way the existing lads have come on and the attitude they've shown.

“I think we can realistically aim for a sixth or seventh placed finish and really improve on the last couple of years.

On local rivals Papplewick & Linby, he added: “Papplewick could surprise a few people as they have strengthened really well. I think it will be a really good league this year.

“At the top I'd say Cavaliers have the best team in terms of individuals, and with Kimberley, Papplewick and Cuckney, will be the top four. In what order will depend on who gets a run going and some momentum.”

On the opening game at Attenborough, Johnson said: “It will be a tough one as they are traditionally reasonably good at home. “Home advantage is quite rife in the Premier League as each ground has its own uniqueness.

“Their new ball pairing is good and they have a couple of good batsmen as well.

“It will be hard, but I am confident that after our pre-season we can put on a really good display and come away with the points.”

Hucknall (306) crushed Collingham & District (120) by 186 runs in their final friendly and Johnson added: “It was good to get lads some time in the middle and bowlers some overs in their legs.

“It was a really good outing and we were good on the day as well.

“Everyone is fit which presents its own selection problems.

“We have a really good squad of 14/15 lads, so I have had to make a few phone calls to a few disappointed lads this week.

“That's the nature of the beast and as we get better hopefully these things bear fruit.”