LECHLADE captain Joe Breet has his fingers crossed that his side’s title-winning exploits last summer will give them the perfect platform for success in Premier Two.

The Manor Ground side sealed promotion to the second tier of the West of England Premier League for the first time in their history last season after winning the Glos/Wilts Division by a margin of almost 50 points.

Skipper Breet has previously played in the Premier Two division with Westbury and knows from experience that promoted champions can shine with momentum behind them.

“I think the club, as a whole, is excited – it’s the highest level that we’ve ever been at,” said the Lechlade captain.

“I’m quietly confident at the moment. I think that all of the teams in the top five of the Glos/Wilts could come in to the Premier Two and do well.

“In the past, sides that have won the league the season before have come up and done well, just like we’ve seen Potterne too.

“I think the main thing is that you have to try and be consistent. If you can have a squad of 13 or 14 players that can all come in and perform to the right level, then I think you should do well.”

Lechlade have regained 20-year-old South African Bradley Dial, who hit more than 1000 runs last season, as their overseas signing.

Meanwhile, following their promotion, the club are also hoping to reap the benefits of linking up with giants Gloucestershire.

Breet said: “All of the sides in the Premier One and Premier Two that are in Gloucestershire get allocated players so we should have Craig Miles (20-year-old bowler, from Purton) and Miles Hammond (England U19 international).

“When they aren’t in the side for Gloucestershire, they’ll play for us. We’ve also got Benny Ellis, who’s an U17 player there, playing for us too.

“Bradley Dial will be with us again as our overseas, so the squad is looking strong.”