Whitby Cricket Club skipper Kai Morris ready for NYSD League opener

Whitby CC 1sts open their campaign at home to Marske on Saturday April 27.

Morris said: “I am looking forward to the season, we’re really excited about it. We’ve got an exciting young squad this year and looking at the teams who’ve come up and down it’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.

"We’ve spoken a lot about trying to improve our fielding, which has let us down the last couple of years, so that’s been the main aim of pre-season. Hopefully we’ll be able to carry that into the season.

"We’ve also put a real focus on lads being aware of their own strengths and sticking to them, hopefully this will translate into more positive results.

"The character we showed at times last season to get ourselves out of trouble in some must-win games was brilliant so we can maintain that which will stand us in good stead.

"In terms of hopes for the season, obviously initially we want to make sure we pull away from that relegation battle that we’ve been in the last couple of seasons and then look to get up the table as high as possible.”

Whitby have snapped up an overseas signing to boost their ranks.

Morris said: ”We’ve added Australian wicket-keeper batsman Charlie Taylor to the group which should give us a boost.

"He’s a young lad but comes highly recommended from past players and with a brilliant reputation so no doubt he will be a big player for us this season.

"Historically we’ve done pretty well on getting to cup finals and semi-finals, but only been able to win one trophy in the last decade, so we’re keen to attack the shorter formats and hopefully add to that as well.

"Andrew Wood and the 2nds have been excellent at developing and producing young players over the years and with a great mix or youth and experience there this season, we’re really hopefully of a good year for the 2nds.

"Developing young players has always been crucial to us and Woody is a massive part of that so no doubt that will continue this year. Likewise with the 3rd team, I’m backing Jay and his boys to build on last season’s really strong showing.”

The 2nds are at Richmondshire 4ths a week on Saturday, while the 3rds are at Marton 4ths a week on Sunday.