WESTCLIFF skipper Peter Barnes will be looking to build on his side’s solid start to the season when they head to Basildon this weekend.

Westcliff will head into the Division Three clash sitting fourth in the standings, just six points off the top of the table.

And Barnes has been encouraged by the opening few fixtures.

“It has been a solid start to the season,” said Barnes.

“The lads have been working hard in winter training and our batting and fielding has improved massively which has let us down in previous years.

“We have a great team spirit and if we keep working hard I believe this season will be our year to get promotion.”

Last time out, Westcliff certainly looked like a side in fine form as they saw off Woodford Green by 114 runs.

Barnes and Jon Pratt both hit centuries in the win and the captain was delighted with the emphatic triumph.

“We batted first on Saturday and myself and Jon Pratt both got hundreds with Jack Stead coming in at the end and hitting a number of boundaries to get us up to an impressive final total,” said Barnes.

“Woodford Green played aggressively from the start but our bowlers, who have been fantastic over the last few seasons, did the job again and bowled them out.

“It was a good win and one we want to make sure we try and build on against Basildon now.”

Basildon head into the game without a win so far this season and are currently eighth in the standings.

Last weekend, Basildon were beaten by 92 runs against Benfleet who now sit third in the standings.

And Benfleet skipper Rob Zammit is now hoping for more of the same against Old Brentwoods tomorrow.

“The team are feeling confident going into every game at the moment and we are looking forward to the weekend,” said Zammit.

“We know we have plenty of match winners in our team.”

However, Old Brentwoods have also started the season strongly and are currently top of the table, two points clear of Benfleet.

But Zammit insists the team are already relishing the contest. “We are expecting a tough game but we are relishing the challenge,” said Zammit.

“To succeed you have to beat the best and hopefully we’ll do that tomorrow.

“We’ve started well but it is important to keep the ball rolling.

“We know that picking up a good number of points from each game is key.”